From childhood dreams to crossing oceans, my journey as an international student was shaped by waves of ambition and resilience. Join me as I share how navigating challenges and pursuing a degree in computer science at CSUMB transformed my aspirations into reality. I am a passionate technologist who found an in Computer Science. My love for newly emerging softwares is deeply intertwined with my appreciation for traditional music and connecting with people. As someone who never gives up on their passions, I pour my heart into everything I do - whether it's coding, solving problems, or building relationships. Communication has always been my strength, and I believe this makes me unique in the tech world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Music is something we all value in our daily lives. Its function as a learning aid, a form of physical therapy for neurodivergent children, and a way to bring people together is as powerful as it is mystifying I am a Business Administration student who has always had an intense interest in music and law. I am passionate about exploring how music, law, and nature shape our lives, and I value introspection and self-development. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The fight between confidence and complacency. And the struggle to find your place in the world First year student studying to be a Social Worker at CSU Monterey Bay. Identifies as queer and wants to help queer kids navigate the world and themselves. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What do boba, banh mi, and the beach have in common? For a first-generation Guatemalan and Black woman, they became powerful symbols of self-care. In this talk, she shares how small, intentional acts can help us meet our deepest human needs for joy, nourishment, and connection. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I’ve transformed my passion for building community into a meaningful career. I inspire students to connect, grow, and uncover their potential. With a rich cultural background and a degree in culinary arts, I love bringing people together especially through food. I thrive on motivating others, leading with purpose, and making every experience unforgettable. When I’m not planning, mentoring, or cheering others on, you’ll find me bowling, painting, or having heart-to-hearts with my plants. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

First-generation college students tend to be categorized and used as a marketing statistic. This talk dives into a journey of a first-generation college student, using stories from her personal life to portray the message that your past and upbringing will not determine where you will end up in the future. Lilyann is a first generation college student who believes that you can take charge of creating your own story. With a story of her own, she believes that the dreams of first generation students have stories that must be heard. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Yuhan Zhang joined multiple social movements such as a sanitary pad sharing box initiative and a women’s educational empowerment through English debate. With a big heart to contribute to societal issues, Yuhan is dismayed by the unsatisfactory results. Until one of the beneficiaries, whose attitude on life was transformed by the movement, thanked Yuhan for what she did, Yuhan realized the often unnoticed influences of social movements and encourages everyone to take part in forging positive change.-Subscribe for more TEDx talks from Beijing SMIC High School -Like, comment, and share to support student voices! -Comment: Were you utterly transformed by someone else but never expressed your gratitude? -Speaker bio: Yuhan Zhang is an interpreter based in Beijing, specializing in conference and business interpretation. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Northeast Normal University and a master's degree in English interpreting from China Foreign Affairs University. With extensive experience in business negotiations, she has provided interpretation services for leading enterprises such as State Grid and China Logistics. Beyond her professional endeavors, Yuhan is a dedicated advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment. Passionate about social progress, she actively engages in initiatives that support women's professional and personal development. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx