TEDx Talks

Give Us the Recess We Need to Succeed | Aimee Chen | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

3/06/2026

Aimee talks about how having extra playtime before a test helped her succeed and why more break time is important for student learning. Aimee is a Year 3 student in Shanghai. She is passionate about horses and dreams of becoming a professional rider in the future. Aimee is a thoughtful and dedicated learner whose love of reading and learning has helped her recognise the importance of spending time outdoors and enjoying play. English is her favourite subject, and she especially enjoys reading and writing. 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

From Bottles to Models: The Power of “We” | Bryce Gao | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

3/06/2026

This talk explores the value of working together on a Future City project. Bryce's TED talk on Future Cities showed him how to think big and help others. Through teamwork, resilience, and collaboration, he learned to listen, share ideas, and keep going when challenges arose. He discovered how communities work together to solve problems and design better places to live. This experience helped him to become a stronger student—more confident, kinder, and ready to work with others to make real change. 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 Courage to Speak from the Heart | Clovy Cheong | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

3/06/2026

In this TEDx talk, Clovy reflects on a personal childhood experience to explore the importance of expressing emotions honestly. Through a simple moment during play, she discovers that courage is not always about big actions, but often about speaking up and telling others how we feel. Her talk highlights how emotional awareness and open communication can build trust, deepen understanding and create more supportive relationships. Clovy is an 8-year-old student who enjoys learning from everyday experiences and sharing meaningful ideas with others. Inspired by a personal moment of fear and reflection, she began to understand the value of expressing feelings with honesty and courage. 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

Turning Your Emotions into Strength | Eason Zhou | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

3/06/2026

In an era in which one in six children in China faces an emotional crisis, Eason Zhou shows that emotions are not obstacles, but untapped sources of strength. Transitioning from a confident creator to a student facing overwhelming meltdowns, Eason developed a “Personal Emotional Toolkit” to bridge the gap between chaos and calm. He introduces three original neurological strategies: Emotion Detective colour-coding, the 10-Second Pause, and Tiny Praises. By offering a concrete three-day mission, Eason moves beyond theory to provide a scalable, life-saving roadmap for resilience, proving that one brave choice today can redefine a child’s tomorrow. A student in Shanghai and a digital content creator, Eason bridges the gap between mathematical logic and emotional intelligence. By sharing his 3-step “Emotion Detective” framework, he transforms psychological insights into actionable resilience --- empowering peers to navigate internal storms and turn vulnerability into a catalyst for self-driven growth. 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

At the Edge of “I Can’t”: Where Infinity Begins | Gaia Cerri | TEDxCSN Youth

3/06/2026

In this talk, we will explore the idea that “infinity” is not merely an abstract concept, but a mindset accessible to each of us. Drawing on my personal experience of adapting to life in a new country, we will reflect on how many of the limits we encounter are often self-imposed. We consider how failure can be reframed as a meaningful part of learning and how time, when used consistently, becomes a powerful and compounding asset. Together, we are invited to rethink the meaning of “I can’t” and to recognise how small, deliberate actions can gradually expand what we believe is possible. Arts teacher 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

See .Be .Give | Lucy Doughty | TEDxPunta Cana Women

3/06/2026

Lucy Doughty is a philanthropist, speaker, and founder dedicated to transforming pain into purpose. Through her humanitarian work, global conversations on consciousness and personal growth, and her foundation’s initiatives supporting vulnerable communities and children, she has inspired thousands to embrace resilience not as survival, but as a conscious path toward transformation. After experiencing profound personal loss, Lucy embarked on a journey of healing that led her to create spaces centered on human connection, emotional evolution, and service. Her philosophy “See. Be. Give.” has become a guiding framework for awakening personal greatness, living with intention, and using one’s story to elevate others. Lucy shares a message of inner transformation, reminding audiences that happiness is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to rise, reinvent, and love life through every season. Lucy Doughty is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and global advocate for children’s wellbeing, education, and women’s empowerment. She is the President of The Doughty Family Foundation and a Trustee of Theirworld.org in the United Kingdom. Through her foundation, founded in 2008 with her late husband Nigel Doughty, Lucy supports healthcare, education, and youth development initiatives across the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, and internationally, including pediatric oncology programs, university scholarships for women, and educational opportunities for underserved communities. She is also the founder of Conversation Loves, a platform that convenes leading thinkers, scientists, artists, and changemakers to inspire dialogue and social impact. Through this initiative she created “Cena de los Sabios,” a curated gathering that brings together influential voices to exchange ideas and foster meaningful conversations for positive change. Lucy believes that compassion, education, and collective responsibility are powerful forces for transforming lives and shaping a more conscious and equitable 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

Medicamentos, los nuevos plásticos | Matias Montecinos | TEDxU Valpo Chile

3/06/2026

En esta charla, Matías advierte que los medicamentos que usamos no desaparecen cuando los desechamos: sus residuos se están convirtiendo en una nueva forma de contaminación persistente que nos invita a repensar nuestra relación con la salud, el consumo y el medioambiente. Matías Montecinos es estudiante de Química y Farmacia en el sur de Chile, y cofundador de la Fundación Ecofarmacovigilancia Chile, su trabajo une salud humana y salud ambiental, promoviendo la articulación de iniciativas de recolección para su desecho seguro, así como de campañas educativas y vinculación comunitaria para el manejo responsable de medicamentos vencidos en hospitales, barrios y municipios. Desde esa convicción, busca transformar la imagen tradicional de la farmacia: de un espacio centrado en el paciente como usuario a uno donde las personas participan activamente en proteger lo común. Hoy viene a compartir una reflexión sobre los medicamentos y sobre cómo podemos convertirnos en parte de la solución. 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

Solving for Why | Maxwell Hunter | TEDxAvon High School

3/06/2026

Maxwell Hunter, a junior at Avon High School, describes the process of what he believes to be biggest missing factor in education: the lack of motivation to learn by the students. Through investigating how students learn their “Why” to why they learn, one can discover how teachers of all kinds create a positive association with academic knowledge and the learning process. Maxwell hopes to take his experience as both a leader and a current student to help illuminate why there is a growing apathy when addressing education and learning. Maxwell Hunter is a Junior at Avon High School, speaking about how to create motivation for students to learn academically. Maxwell has taken on many of the AP and honors classes offered at Avon and studies a mix of history, economics, political theory, and Latin on his own time, often taking time in study halls and dedicated student resource time in school to do reading on the subjects along with time outside of school as well. He has also run on both the cross country and track teams since middle school, watching and learning about team culture and how to best get both athletes and general people to perform the task that needs to be done for their own personal development. Maxwell hopes to take his experience as both a leader and a current student to help illuminate why there is a growing apathy when addressing education and learning. 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

Mindset of an Olympian | Jennifer Floyd | TEDxAvon High School

3/06/2026

Olympian, mother, and entrepreneur Jennifer Floyd explores the perseverance and mindset she has used to grow and pursue her goals and dreams, drawing upon her experience as an athlete. Jennifer Floyd is an Olympian, entrepreneur, coach, and mother who inspires others to embrace discipline, resilience, and hard work. Raised in Central New York in a blue-collar family, she learned early the value of doing things right and finishing what you start. A multi-sport athlete, she discovered rowing in college and pursued it at the elite level, earning spots on the U.S. National Team and competing at the World Championships from 2005–2007. She went on to represent Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, finishing 5th in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls. After retiring in 2011, Jennifer transitioned into coaching and leadership roles, later finding a passion for fitness through CrossFit. She now owns Fit Body Boot Camp in Plainfield, Indiana, where she helps others build strength, confidence, and an unstoppable mindset. 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

Leadership Lessons from HS Parking Lot Duty | Dean Westman & Matt Harloff | TEDxAvon High School

3/06/2026

Through years of experience in their respective musical fields, world-renowned music directors Dean Westman and Matt Harloff have also spent those years on high school parking lot duty together – next to a dumpster. They share the incredible lessons they’ve learned through the process. Dean Westman is the Performing Arts Department Chair and Director of Orchestras at Avon High School. He founded the Avon Orchestra program in 2007 with 38 6th grade beginners. Now in its 19th year, the Avon Orchestra has grown to over 1,000 students grades 6-12. Mr. Westman also serves as a Program Designer for the 5-time Bands of America Grand National Champion and 17 Time Indiana State Champion AHS MB&G. In 2002, Dean was named the Texas Young Bandmaster of the Year by the Texas Bandmaster’s Association. He has taught the Tenrikyo Aimaichi Marching Band from Nagoya, Japan, and has served on the teaching staff for the Bands of America Rose Parade Honor Band of America. Dean continues to guest conduct and present clinics throughout the United States and Japan. Westman currently serves as Senior Education Advisor & Designer for the 2016 and 2024 Drum Corps International World Champion Bluecoats from Canton, Ohio. Westman was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2018. Matt Harloff concludes a remarkable 30-year career at Avon High School, serving 27 years as Assistant Band Director before becoming Director of Bands from 2023–2026. During his tenure, the Avon Band Program earned numerous state, national, and world honors. As director of Avon Indoor Winds, Matt led the group to eight IPA State Championships and six WGI Scholastic World Class Championships. Matt helped the AHS MB&G win 18 state titles and six Grand National Championships. Between 2007 and 2025, the Avon Marching Band maintained an extraordinary 18-year streak of top-three finishes at the Bands of America Grand National Finals. In 2003, Matt became Brass Caption Head for the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps, helping build Crown BRASS into one of the nation’s elite programs. Carolina Crown is a consistent DCI World Class Finalist and celebrated their first ever DCI World Class World Championship in 2013. Matt was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame in 2025. 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