Hannah shares how cultural and familial values shape children’s worldviews from an early age. Drawing on personal experiences, she illustrates how the beliefs we inherit can last a lifetime, influencing the way we perceive the world and interact with others. My name is Hannah Park, and I am currently a ninth-grade student attending school in British Columbia, Canada. I originally grew up in Yellowknife and moved to Kelowna in 2022. Although I’m considered a newcomer to this community, I embrace new opportunities and challenges whenever I can. In my spare time, I’m involved as a Royal Canadian Sea Cadet and am working towards earning my qualifications to become a potential lifeguard. This year, my goals are to develop my leadership skills and explore various ways to succeed academically as I prepare for tenth grade. In my TED Talk, I will share my personal perspective on how cultural and familial values have the ability to shape a child’s worldview, further demonstrating how these early influences can last a lifetime. 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

Sophia explores the limitless potential of every individual and the power of taking initiative in life. She emphasizes the importance of genuine connections, learning from others, and actively shaping our paths through bold decisions. My name is Sophia Yan and I am a grade 9 student in Canada. Grounded by the goal to embrace my nature of living by loving, I am deeply inspired by the mission to foster genuine connections within the community through involvement in activities that cultivate personal growth and bring the best out of others. I look to the world around me to be an inspiration for the mutual respect I strive for, whether its teachers that will give up their evenings for your education or incredibly driven coaches that passionately share their love for the sport with you, seeing people striving towards the same mission that I take on bring me to life. 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

Clarke explores how societal homogenization stifles adaptability, innovation, and individuality. By questioning the systems that push conformity, he challenges us to embrace diversity as a strength rather than a complication. Hi, I'm Clarke, a grade 11 student attending Okanagan Mission Secondary School. I love to read fantasy novels and play strategic board games. I have played water polo at the national and regional level for sport. I also enjoy playing the saxophone in both concert and jazz band. I live with my parents and two cats, Glacia and Roake. My older brother just moved to Alberta to start university. I've always wanted to do a Ted Talk to prove to myself that I can overcome my own limits. 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

Chloe reimagines mathematics as a creative pursuit rather than a rigid system of formulas. Through her experiences as a tutor and STEM educator, she highlights the importance of integrating creativity into math to bridge the disconnect between youth and problem-solving. My name is Chloe Silver, and I’m a senior high school student from Western Canada. Growing up in British Columbia has given me a deep appreciation for the natural environment and countless opportunities to explore it with my family and friends. Additionally, I have a strong interest in the Sciences. In my free time, I love learning about new scientific discoveries or tackling challenging math problems. However, through my experiences as a tutor, teaching assistant, and STEM camp counselor I’ve witnessed the disconnect between youth and mathematics. This observation has motivated me to rethink my approach to the subject while encouraging others to do the same. Beyond STEM, I also have a deep love for the arts; I’m a dancer at The Village Dance Academy and practice acrylic painting as a fine artist. For me, both STEM and the arts provide unique ways to express creativity and solve problems, and I’m excited to continue exploring both fields in the future. 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

Kaan shares how embracing awkwardness can foster confidence, self-acceptance, and deeper connections with others. By reframing discomfort as an opportunity for growth, he encourages us to step outside our comfort zones and own our unique quirks. My name is Kaan Oytac and I am a student currently studying in British Columbia, Canada. I am originally from Turkey and moved to Canada when I was eleven years old. I am a committed student who enjoys hiking, learning about history and interacting with others.I have learned over time that small steps accumulate to create substantial differences. Over time, and through perseverance I have flourished in my Canadian environment. I personally believe that seizing the current moment is crucial to success and am inspired to take small steps daily, towards achieving my goals.I believe that being awkward leads to authentic connections and can enhance an individual’s relatability. Furthermore,I believe that learning to be comfortable in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations is a building block for personal achievement. Attending nine schools in 10 years has taught me to be adaptive and comfortable with my awkwardness, as each school has a unique identity. 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