Many have heard it said that hearing does not constitute listening. Here to push this idea even further, Zarina explores how true listening can transcend all barriers, be that of language or physical ability. Growing up with a deaf family has given Zarina a unique perspective on what it means to be present and intentional, especially in terms of being in tune with others in ways that do not require a word to be uttered by speaking with your actions and "listening" to that of others. How can you become a better "listener"? Zarina hopes you can find the answer in her family's story.  

What if the way we praise leadership is quietly deciding our future? Calling someone a “natural leader” sounds harmless, but it draws a line between people who think they belong and people who don’t, long before anyone has actually tried. In this talk, Cecilia Brems uses her own experiences to show how this belief filters out potential early and shapes who ends up in charge, not based on who could grow into leadership, but who was labeled from the start. She uncovers a simple shift that most people overlook, and once you see it, you cannot unsee it. It makes you realize that this is not just about confidence or titles, it is about who gets the chance to lead at all, and what that means for the future we are creating.

When a devastating ACL tear sidelined Chris during the peak of his athletic career, he didn’t just lose his spot on the field; he lost his sense of identity. Straddling the line between athlete and observer, Chris shares a journey of rediscovering purpose through an unexpected instrument: the bagpipes. Drawing on the philosophy of Viktor Frankl and the deep-rooted traditions of the Saint Andrew’s Scots, this story explores how we respond when our "game plan" is stripped away. It is a testament to the fact that while we cannot always control our situation, we can always choose how we show up for the team.

We are told to chase our dreams, but no one warns us when reality falls short of our own visions. After chasing his own fascination with Marine Sciences in the open ocean, Yuchen Geng confronts the uncomfortable truth: That the disappointment was never in the experience, but in his own expectations. In this TED talk, Yuchen dives deep into the world of romanticized thinking, revealing the subtle mistake that has caused us to lose faith in what we love, as well as its hidden power, a quiet shift that could change everything. 

What if the biggest thing we’re losing isn’t time - but ourselves? In a world where sharing has become second nature, we rarely stop to ask: who actually deserves access to our lives? From boarding school hallways to digital maps that track our every move, privacy isn’t disappearing all at once - it’s slipping away quietly, piece by piece. 

In his talk, Quinlan poses a common predicament: the natural urge to get angry at every little inconvenience. He hopes that, from his talk, people can be more fair to others and themselves. Much of the inspiration for his talk come from his and his family's experiences. 

Speaking is one of the most fundamental aspects of human life. It allows us to communicate with others and to share our ideas with the world. But what if speaking didn't come easily every day? Erin Reid lives with that reality as someone who stutters. For most people, this might feel like something to hide or overcome, but for her, it is the complete opposite. In her talk, Erin reframes her stutter not as an enemy, but as a "friend" with many complex sides that she has learned to embrace over time.    

From Medieval superstitions to the "platoon effect" on the baseball diamond, being left-handed has always been a journey of adaptation. In this talk, Juliet Carroll explores the hidden history of the "sinister" left hand and the modern-day struggles of right-handed scissors. By reframing everyday obstacles as "Cooperative Evolution," she reveals how being at a disadvantage can actually be the ultimate training ground for resilience, flexibility, and strength.

Why does the thought of speaking in public make our palms sweat and our hearts race? For ten-year-old Scarlett Dicoi, the answer lies millions of years in the past. In this engaging and brave TEDx talk, she explains "glossophobia" not as a weakness, but as a prehistoric survival instinct. By sharing her journey from audition nerves to center stage, she reveals a simple but powerful secret: bravery is a muscle. Whether you’re facing a microphone or a tall waterslide, she challenges us to "train the brave" and turn our fears into our greatest strengths.

We often view play as a childhood luxury—something to be set aside once responsibilities take over. But what if the secret to handling stress and building deeper family connections was as simple as taking relaxing walks or a messy pizza night? Through personal stories and research, Mila explores how 'play guilt' holds adults back and why reclaiming a sense of wonder is essential for every age. It’s time to stop just managing our lives and start playing them.

For Elijah, sitting still in class felt like "sitting on needles." Diagnosed with ADHD, his body wanted to move even when his brain needed to focus. Everything changed when he sat down at a piano bench. In his talk, Elijah shares how the discipline of music transformed his hyperactivity into a prize-winning superpower. Discover how finding your own "piano" can help you stay present.

There is a lot to be said about music, and what it can do for the soul. Listening to music on a bad day can lift your mood in an instant, and bashing piano keys on a keyboard during times of turmoil is, admittedly, strangely cathartic. Al Seymour's original composition is a reflection of exactly that. Highway 1 was originally an improv session and has turned into a sort of story. The piece was created and replayed over three months, on at least four different pianos, and has undergone five different decisions to change its key. Highway 1 got Al through a challenging period, like many other songs before it, and like many other songs to come.