Welcome to
TEDxYouth@MageeSecondary

David's speech focused on the power of independent thought and the influence of language in shaping our lives and relationships. He began by discussing how people often feel constrained by expectations and are told they are not smart, leading to a mindset where they feel they have to follow others' instructions. David encouraged his audience to think differently, using examples like studying subjects not out of obligation but choice, or attending meetings and making personal decisions based on desire rather than expectation. He emphasized the importance of understanding teenagers' feelings and proposed a shift in language, changing "have to" to "get to," thereby transforming obligations into opportunities. He urged parents and teachers to listen to their children and explained that the power of these words can influence and change lives. By truly listening to teens, adults can create a reciprocal relationship where both parties feel heard. David concluded with the inspiring message that individuals are more influential than they may think, and that this influence can be harnessed to create positive change in both personal lives and broader communities. David is a highly accomplished professional in Speech Communication, holding an honors degree. As the CEO of Kingfisher Communications, he has garnered prestigious awards for his exceptional speaking skills. With a profound expertise in speech communication and coaching, David has successfully motivated countless individuals to make transformative changes through small, actionable steps. His unique approach revolves around empowering others to embrace vulnerability through purposeful storytelling. By striving to foster a more compassionate and interconnected society, David aims to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our imagination. 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

Kitty shared her personal story during a winter break trip to Calgary. She and her friend encountered a severe storm on their way back to Vancouver, becoming stranded on the highway with limited provisions. Despite initial despair and a failed attempt to seek helicopter assistance, they stumbled upon an elderly couple at an airpark who connected them with a pilot willing to fly them home. The experience served as a profound lesson in resilience, optimism, and determination, showing that even in dire circumstances, there are unexpected paths forward and opportunities for personal growth. Kitty Sun, a student at Point Grey Secondary School, is known for her determination, positive attitude, and impressive achievements. She has won numerous awards for her exceptional public speaking skills and has showcased her artistic talent in various competitions. As a compassionate individual, Kitty volunteers as a Love Ambassador at the British Columbia Children's Hospital, supporting children in need. She is also a skilled dancer and boxer, continuously challenging herself. Kitty's commitment to excellence and her diverse range of talents make her a standout student at her school. 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 speaker, Victor, is emphasizing the importance of passion in achieving success. He argues that passion is about strength and control, and when one is passionate about something, like sports, they will endure pain and pressure to achieve it. Passion is the driving force behind success, guiding individuals to explore their interests, set challenging goals, and persistently work towards them. Money, according to the speaker, is a consequence rather than a primary goal. By using his own experience in the rowing team as an example, the speaker illustrates how pursuing passion can lead to success, underscoring that the mind is one's greatest asset in this endeavor. Victor, a resilient and empathetic student, leads by example, striving for excellence in all endeavors. Highly adaptive and a skilled team player, he excels under pressure. Passionate about fostering connections, Victor maintains a stellar 4.0 GPA at St. George's Senior School. As President of the Business Club Junior Branch, he manages all operations and led a team to a notable 10th place at the miniEnterprize 2023 competition. Additionally, Victor shines as a competitive rower and student coach, earning a bronze medal and a nomination for Sportsman of the Year. Committed to intellectual growth, he is a valued member of the exclusive Competitive Math Program. 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

Darren's speech focuses on the journey to success and the mindsets that contributed to his achievements. He shares a personal experience with a math contest, where he initially faced ridicule due to his lack of understanding. He recounts the perseverance and hard work that eventually led to his prize and success in the competition. He introduces three mindsets that helped him: First, a spirit of never giving up, illustrated through the story of the turtle and the rabbit, emphasizing that hard work can overtake talent. He reflects on a past failure in an English test to emphasize the dangers of slacking off. The second mindset, ignorance, helped him overcome negative emotions and external influences. He explains how dismissing those who laughed at him allowed him to overcome his initial discouragement and improve his math skills. The third mindset, stabilizing, involves maintaining physical and mental stability, even when faced with emotional challenges. Darren emphasizes that success requires physical and mental advantages, with true success being about happiness. Darren, a student at Richmond Secondary High School, is an exceptional individual with a passion for physics and computer science. He has already completed over 4 Advanced Placement (AP) courses in just one year, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence. Darren's dedication to these subjects has been recognized with the prestigious Cayley reward from The University of Waterloo. Apart from his studies, he enjoys coding games and expanding his knowledge through TEDx public speaking videos online. Darren's impressive achievements and diverse interests showcase his drive for personal growth and intellectual exploration. 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 speaker, Angela, shares a personal story of their journey as a first-year skier, emphasizing the lessons learned from initially failing the level one ski coach exam. They highlight three key insights about achieving success: viewing success as a journey where learning from experiences is as important as the destination, setting realistic and incremental goals to build confidence, and never giving up despite failures. These lessons are not just applicable to skiing but to any aspect of life, where hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from setbacks can lead to achieving any goal. The speaker concludes by challenging the audience to reflect on their goals and the steps they can take to overcome obstacles and succeed. Angela Tao, a remarkable student at LBSS, excels as a leader with diverse talents. She shines as a member of the school's basketball championship team, holds a ski instructor level 1 license, and has trained in badminton with national team member Hao Tian. Angela's musical accomplishments include winning gold medals, playing flute in the Vancouver AiYue Youth Orchestra, and achieving proficiency in piano. Committed to community service, she volunteers and founded a charity club. With exceptional academic performance, Angela Tao stands out among her peers as a well-rounded and accomplished individual. 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

Dr. Stan's thoughts on success, as summarized here, revolve around personal achievement and the definition of success, drawing inspiration from the famous physicist, Albert Einstein. Stan opens his speech by aligning his view of success with personal achievement, and he introduces a thought-provoking concept inspired by Einstein, which posits that the key to success may lie in the ability to do "nothing." In an interview with a university, Stan realized the importance of not just following but actively engaging the mind, thinking deeply and creatively. Echoing Einstein's advice to not waste time on rote work but to use the brain for thoughtful contemplation, Stan emphasizes the importance of training oneself to think. He further outlines his definition of success, which is tied to having a goal and the passion to achieve it. Stan believes in continuously upgrading skills, practicing efficiently, and striving for mastery. If he has lost a skill, he will restrain himself to regain it, recognizing the benefits of relentless practice. Moreover, Stan encourages the exploration of new skills and approaches, emphasizing that doing or not doing something should be a conscious choice in pursuit of success, not just following a set path. Stan concludes his speech by likening his philosophy to an old movie, perhaps suggesting that timeless wisdom and unconventional paths can lead to genuine success. His perspective underscores the importance of passion, practice, and innovative thinking in achieving personal success. Dr. Stan Markotich, a distinguished professor at Simon Fraser University, specializes in the Balkans. With a graduate degree from Indiana University, he served as a Serbian analyst at Radio Free Europe in Munich before continuing in Prague. Dr. Stan M.'s expertise grew as a research analyst at the Open Media Research Institute in the Czech Republic and with the International Crisis Group in the Balkans. Having witnessed the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, he has authored numerous scholarly articles and book chapters, currently working on a memoir. As the Educator, Dr. Stan M. passionately supports students in achieving their academic aspirations. 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

With a profound expertise in leadership and a captivating speaking style, Robbie is running an innovative digital platform that empowers individuals to embark on a journey of self-development and storytelling. Robbie's passion lies in helping others uncover their true selves and define their aspirations. Through his insightful guidance, Robbie inspires individuals to unlock their potential and discover the path to success. Robbie is a Leadership expert, Speaker, and the founder of a digital platform for self-development and storytelling. Robbie thrives on helping others to understand who they are and identify what they want for their lives. He sees greatness in everyone, and his goal is to help others see greatness in themselves. Robbie started his career as a Math Teacher in the mid-90s and has transitioned to leadership training on personal and professional development. Robbie is extremely energetic and a go-getter, working every day to improve himself and his services to others. He enjoys being behind a microphone, cracking jokes, and kicking it off on the soccer field. 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 speaker, Max delivers a compelling speech on the power of cultivating good habits for achieving success in daily life. He emphasizes that consistent practice leads to perfection and backs this claim with three personal examples. Notably, Max shares how his dedicated practice for the SSAT resulted in a remarkable 400-point score increase in just one year, showcasing the transformative impact of adopting effective habits. Furthermore, he illustrates how adopting the habits of taking notes, watching educational videos, and regular practice elevated his math comprehension and ultimately contributed to his outstanding performance in this year's AP exam. Max's experiences highlight how changing habits can pave the way to success in various endeavors. Max, a student at Vancouver College, is an accomplished individual with a wide range of talents. With over 5 years of experience in math contests, he has garnered numerous awards. Max is also active in debate and model UN, participating in events like VMUN and VDA in-house debates. As a badminton athlete, he has competed in tournaments over the past three years. Furthermore, Max has been playing the trombone in the school band since grade 7 and has participated in the whistle music festival with the VC school band for two years. His diverse skills and dedication showcase his well-rounded nature and commitment to excellence. 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

Osborn reflects on his personal understanding of success, equating it to a journey and not merely an accomplishment, and emphasizes overcoming procrastination and embracing failure as essential to achieving success. Through effective time management, hard work, and stepping out of his comfort zone, he narrates an example of a debate tournament where he helped a less-experienced partner, and together they overcame setbacks to qualify, emphasizing the growth and teamwork as the true success. He also encourages embracing challenges, venturing into the unknown, and viewing failures as stepping stones, as these attributes unlock the potential for extraordinary achievements and personal growth. Osborn, a grade 8 student at St. George's School, is well-versed in the art of debating and public speaking. He thrives in collaborative environments and enjoys working with his peers as well as engaging with new acquaintances. Osborn has a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on his community. He believes that his strong communication skills and unique talents can be harnessed to inspire and influence others, ultimately fostering meaningful change. With a keen understanding of the power of effective communication, Osborn is dedicated to utilizing his abilities to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation. 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

In a moving speech, Leo opens up about his struggles with hearing difficulties, which severely impacted his self-confidence during his time at school. However, he shares a remarkable journey of resilience and determination as he gradually rebuilt his confidence. Leo sought support and found ways to adapt, leading to improved communication and a newfound sense of self-assurance. His inspiring story serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming challenges is possible, and with the right mindset and perseverance, anyone can regain confidence and thrive in life. Leo Fu, a student at Delta Secondary School, is a remarkable individual with a wide range of interests and talents. His passion for drawing allows him to express his creativity with finesse. Leo's dedication to ice hockey showcases his athletic abilities and fosters his willpower and determination. Leo is an avid reader who spends hours in the library, particularly engrossed in physics and math books. He actively engages in volunteering, making valuable contributions to his school community. With his multifaceted strengths and diverse interests, Leo stands out as a well-rounded and accomplished student. 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

Ivy explores success as a complex journey filled with challenges, illustrating her point through personal stories and anecdotes, such as her Model UN experience where she transformed from nervousness to achievement. These stories emphasize how failures, setbacks, and personal growth are essential in shaping success, and highlight her journey of overcoming obstacles and growing through adversity. Ivy's central message underscores the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the significance of networking in achieving success. She encourages the audience to see adversity as a catalyst for growth, urging them to embrace the process and passionately pursue their goals, and emphasizes the vital role that networking plays in personal and professional development. Ivy Lin, a rising 9th grader at Crofton House School. Ivy has a diverse range of passions and talents. She can be found playing on the badminton court, rowing alongside her school team, hitting the slopes every winter weekend, and serving as a delegate at Model United Nation conferences. However, Ivy’s interests extend beyond these activities. She has developed a strong ability to present her ideas through her active involvement in business competitions, Model United Nation conferences, debate tournaments, and public speaking fairs. With her multifaceted talents and drive to innovate, Ivy intends to share her ideas and hopes to inspire others as well. 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

Sherry's speech revolved around the internal struggle of comparison, especially in the age of social media. She spoke about observing many smart people, some younger than her, achieving things she felt she couldn't. She admitted to feeling envious of others' lives as they appeared fulfilled and interesting on social media. Despite being aware that people should focus on their journey rather than competing with others, she found herself questioning why others were successful and she was not. Her turning point came one day when she made herself a cup of coffee and realized that success could be found in ordinary moments, outside of the social media lens. She concluded her speech by encouraging the audience to zoom out from others' lives and zoom in on their own, focusing on personal growth and self-contentment rather than comparisons. Her message was a compelling reminder to embrace individual success and to value oneself, even in the commonplace activities of daily life. Sherry, a passionate grade 10 student at Point Grey Secondary, possesses a deep love for animals and aspires to pursue biology as her major next year. Her dedication to the subject is evident in her enthusiasm for understanding the intricacies of the natural world. Beyond her scientific pursuits, Sherry has a keen interest in honing her skills in public speaking and debating. Embracing new challenges, she is preparing for her inaugural experience as a speaker at TedX, where she can share her insights and ideas with a wider audience. Sherry's strengths lie in her commitment to animal welfare and her ability to articulate her thoughts persuasively, making her a standout individual with a bright future ahead. 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

Zaria believed that Success is a long-term journey and it's a continual process and development, rather than a single, easily achievable goal. She discusses stories involving some famous individuals whose contributions have had a significant impact on society. The narratives serve to illustrate the principles of success as a challenging and ongoing process, using the famous people's life as examples. She also emphasized the importance of following one's heart and passion, the narrative encourages audiences to pursue what they genuinely desire to become, underlining that success is an ongoing journey. Zaria Xia, a Grade 10 student at Kitsilano Secondary School, boasts over a year of experience in speech and debate, having actively participated in diverse formats such as Public Form and Big Questions. While excelling in these areas, Zaria's interests extend beyond the realm of public speaking. On the ice rink, she showcases her skill and teamwork, finding solace and joy in sports. When it comes to expressing her artistic side, Zaria's creativity flourishes as she wields a pencil and paper. Alongside her sports activities, Zaria actively engages in business competitions, exemplifying her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic thinking skills. 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 challenges the traditional concept of success as being solely based on personal achievements, arguing instead that true success lies in making meaningful contributions to society. She shares a deeply personal experience, where her father's severe bicycle accident thrust her into a caregiving role and revealed to her that success transcends individual triumphs. Inspired by this realization, Sophia founded the Sunshine Foundation North American Philadelphia Branch to empower young individuals to volunteer and lead community change. Through various events and initiatives, including honoring veterans and advocating for world peace, the foundation's success is gauged by the transformative impact on others. Sophia concludes by urging the audience to redefine success as a collective endeavor, centered on compassion, unity, and contribution to community betterment. Sophia Hu, a rising senior at Episcopal Academy, is a multifaceted student with a wide range of interests. In her free time, she enjoys immersing herself in true crime podcasts, honing her skills on the squash court, and expressing her creativity through bullet journaling. Sophia's academic prowess is evident in her participation in the prestigious European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad, where she received recognition for her outstanding performance. Known for her positive outlook and optimistic attitude, Sophia approaches challenges with determination and a can-do attitude. Her enthusiasm and resilience make her a valuable asset to any team or endeavor she undertakes. 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

John's speech centered on his personal transformation from a skinnier individual to a committed athlete. He discussed his initial struggles with working out during the COVID-19 pandemic, including an early decision to give up, but emphasized how encouragement from friends and family pushed him to continue. Sharing his journey into professional swimming, he celebrated improving his time in the 100-meter freestyle by 4 seconds faster. John concluded by stressing that real success lies in personal growth and achieving individual goals, regardless of comparison to others. John Cheng, a dedicated student at Vancouver College, has been honing his public speaking skills for over five years. He actively engages in Model UN and competes in various public speaking contests, showcasing his exceptional talent. Recognized for his outstanding expressive abilities, John has been awarded the prestigious Best Facial Expression accolade from PAPS. He cherishes his leisure time by socializing with friends and indulging in anime through the renowned platform, Crunchyroll. John demonstrates his commitment to physical fitness as an esteemed member of the VC swim team. His distinct and humorous personality has earned him the endearing title of "comedian" among his friends. 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

In her thought-provoking speech, Sonia raises a fundamental question: what truly defines success? She contends that success should not be solely measured by material wealth or power, but rather by personal development and the accomplishment of individual goals. Sonia highlights three common but unhealthy metrics often used to gauge success, and she passionately emphasizes the importance of avoiding these pitfalls. Instead, she encourages the audience to focus on self-improvement and aligning their achievements with their own authentic aspirations, fostering a more fulfilling and meaningful path to success. Sonia Li, a Grade 10 student enrolled in the Prelude program at Sir Winston Churchill, possesses a remarkable wealth of knowledge and a range of diverse experiences that enrich her academic journey. She approaches her education with great enthusiasm, constantly seeking to acquire new skills, actively engaging in community service through volunteering, cherishing meaningful moments with loved ones, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Participating in TedX holds immense significance for Sonia as she views it as a transformative opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and enhance her communication skills, ultimately paving the way for her success. 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

Kevin shares his personal journey with golf, a path marked by struggles, determination, and growth. At the start of his golfing experience, Kevin faced significant embarrassment and difficulty, especially when he failed to hit the ball into the hole. These early setbacks were so disheartening that he even considered abandoning the sport altogether. However, recognizing his own laziness and inspired by a desire to improve, he chose to persevere. Kevin committed himself to practicing golf every day, driven by a newfound passion and desire to overcome his previous limitations. His unwavering dedication led not only to personal improvement but also contributed to his team's success. Reflecting on his journey, Kevin emphasizes the importance of persistence, self-improvement, and determination. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and a positive attitude, showing that with hard work and commitment, obstacles can be overcome, and success can be achieved in the pursuit of one's passions. Kevin, a student at Vancouver College, is an accomplished individual with a diverse range of interests and achievements. With over two years of debate experience, he has participated in the SFU debate competition in the Oxford style. Kevin is also a former BASA student, holding a level 3 certificate in speech arts and drama from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Kevin actively participates in math contests and has received awards in the Fryer and Beaver Computing Challenge. Beyond his intellectual pursuits, he finds enjoyment in playing golf, snowboarding, and swimming. Kevin's well-rounded nature and commitment to excellence are truly admirable. 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 speaker, George, reflects on his mother's sacrifice, who left her passion and career as a doctor to dedicate her life to caring for him and ensuring him a prosperous future. Despite his parents' wishes for him to become a doctor for financial reasons, George's deep desire is to pursue physics. He emphasizes that success is not about conforming to others' expectations or chasing wealth, but about following one's deepest desires and dreams, bringing compassion to others, and making a positive impact on the world. To illustrate his point, he introduces examples of famous individuals who pursued their desires according to their passions. George believes that the starting point for all achievements is desire, and true success lies in aligning one's actions with one's passions, encouraging others to seek fulfillment in their own unique paths. George is a dedicated student with a keen interest in both soccer and physics. He finds fulfillment in staying active, developing his teamwork skills, and nurturing his ambition. Physics enthralls him as he delves into exploring the fundamental laws and origins of the universe, nurturing his critical thinking abilities and fostering a sense of curiosity. He can forge meaningful connections, build lasting relationships, and contribute to a sense of community. Driven by curiosity and ambition, he consistently seeks to expand his knowledge, asking questions and seeking fresh perspectives. George's determination inspires him to set challenging goals and continuously push his 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

Athena Yu offers a profound examination of success in her speech, challenging conventional norms that equate success with external achievements such as wealth, fame, and power. She highlights the stories of historical figures like Alexander the Great and China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, illustrating that their celebrated achievements were often tarnished by the suffering and death of many. These examples serve as cautionary tales that question traditional measures of success. Drawing from her personal experiences as a squash player, Athena presents a more nuanced perspective, showing that success can be a deeply personal and internal experience. She emphasizes values such as resilience, personal growth, and meaningful connections, advocating for a definition of success that resonates with one's unique journey, values, and aspirations. Athena encourages her audience to seek internal fulfillment and authenticity, rather than succumbing to societal pressures or seeking external validation. In her conclusion, she eloquently articulates that success is not just a destination or a fleeting moment of triumph; it's a continuous state of being, encapsulating authenticity, fulfillment, and purpose, and it's shaped by the choices we make and the values we uphold. Athena Yu delves into the complex nature of success, challenging conventional definitions that often equate success with external achievements like wealth, fame, and conquests. Drawing on her own experience as a squash player, she illustrates how success can be an internal and deeply personal experience, defined by resilience, personal growth, and meaningful connections. She urges her audience to focus on internal fulfillment, embracing their unique journeys, values, and aspirations, rather than succumbing to societal pressures and external validation. Athena concludes by emphasizing that success is not merely a destination but a state of being, encapsulating authenticity, fulfillment, and purpose. 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

Calay raises the question of whether entering an Ivy-League universities or achieving high marks in school is the true measure of success. Reflecting on her mother's life, she recounts how her mother, the third daughter in a family that highly valued having a son, At that time, her mother fought to escape her circumstances, working twice as hard as others and arriving at school earlier to earn her way into high school and university. Her mother's hard work not only allowed her to support her family but also laid the foundation for Calay's current living standards. Calay appreciates this success, emphasizing that she lives life according to her own standards. Her story suggests that success is a deeply personal and individualized concept, not merely a uniform standard defined by societal expectations or external achievements. Cayla Gao, a grade 10 student at Stratford Hall. Besides my studies, playing the piano is my passion. It brings me immense joy and serves as an outlet for self-expression. Through music, I find solace and fulfillment. The piano allows me to explore my creativity and connect with others through my performances. It's a language that transcends words and touches people's hearts. When I play, my goal is to create a meaningful connection with the audience, evoking emotions and sharing moments of joy and contemplation. Music has a powerful way of bringing people together, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my love for the piano with others. 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

Leon gave a speech detailing his personal experiences, growth, and the lessons he gleaned from them. First, he shared his struggle with COVID-19, describing his frustration after contracting the virus and how it led him to train for a cross-country race during his recovery. He drew inspiration from soccer player Messi, who fought through challenges to secure a club contract. Despite not achieving a top-10 finish, Leon managed to run faster than before, turning his perceived failure into a meaningful challenge. He emphasized that this experience taught him resilience and the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. In the second part of his speech, Leon opened up about his 10-year journey with the cello. After losing passion, he found encouragement from his teachers who prompted him to reflect on why he initially chose to play. This helped him rediscover his love for the instrument and reinforced the message that one should never stop chasing their dreams. Third, he reflected on the demanding process of studying for 7 AP exams. He highlighted the importance of hard work, determination, and perseverance behind his success. His stories serve as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, passion, and relentless pursuit of one's goals. Leon Hong, a dedicated sophomore at Point Grey Secondary School, exhibits a remarkable array of talents and passions. Alongside his commitment to academic excellence, Leon finds great fulfillment in playing the cello, showcasing his finesse on the basketball court, and embracing the challenges of running. Notably, he has honed his presentation skills through active participation in business competitions. With his diverse talents and unwavering determination, Leon Hong possesses a bright and promising future ahead. 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 speaker, Weihan, began playing squash at the age of 9, embarking on a journey that not only shaped his athleticism but also transformed his personality, changing him from a shy individual to a more confident person. Driven by a desire to win, he trained intensively, pushing himself hard in squash competitions and striving to overcome his limitations. Despite the initial losses, the experience taught him perseverance, resilience, and the importance of personal growth, reflecting a broader understanding of success as an evolving journey rather than a single destination. He understands the importance of embracing the process rather than fixating on winning, reflecting that lasting success comes from personal growth and development rather than merely achieving victories. Weihan, a grade 10 student. As co-founder of Sunshine Squash Club, Weihan has had the privilege of working alongside three exceptional Canadian junior squash players since establishment in March 2020. Weihan is committed to making a positive impact, donating all funds raised to organizations in need. Weihan is an outstanding and outgoing leader at school. He consistently demonstrates a diligent approach to his responsibilities and is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. His leadership qualities, combined with his altruistic nature, further enhance the positive impact he creates both within the club and throughout his school community. 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

Success is a multifaceted concept that can be explored through various lenses, such as academic achievement, personal growth, and alignment with one's values. While academic success can be defined by grades and achievement, disappointments and failures can lead to a reevaluation of what success means on an individual level. The speaker, Aiden, personally equates success with happiness, passion, and true love living, emphasizing that it may take many shapes and should align with one's core values, rather than merely meeting external standards and goals. Aiden, a student at Collingwood School, has amassed over 5 years of debate experience in various formats. Competing in Canadian National Debate Format, Public Forum, British Parliamentary, and Worlds Schools debate, he has earned individual and team awards at renowned tournaments hosted by Harvard, Yale, UBC, Georgetown, and Princeton. Alongside his passion for debate, Aiden enjoys basketball, music, and public speaking. These diverse interests contribute to his well-rounded development. With his extensive experience and articulate communication, Aiden excels in the world of debate while embracing other enriching pursuits that enhance his academic journey. 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 speaker, Julia, begins by acknowledging the universal desire for better relationships within a family, focusing on their relationship with an older sister, Vivian. She recounts the struggles of growing up with her sister, highlighting the envy and difficulties that arose as Vivian entered high school and gained new privileges. She describes a sense of disconnection and ongoing conflict that led to feelings of failure in not achieving a healthy relationship with her sister, something she saw as fundamental to success. The portrayal of solidarity in movies and the relationships of friends and relatives only intensified these feelings. During the COVID-19 quarantine, Julia and her sister began to reconnect by watching movies together and sharing hobbies. They communicated, apologized, and set aside differences, eventually rebuilding a strong and meaningful relationship. Julia expresses gratitude for this newfound success in bonding. She broadens the concept of success, defining it as versatile and achievable in many ways. Julia leaves the audience with a heartfelt and inspiring message about the key to success and how it has shaped her into a goal-oriented and passionate individual. Her personal story of reconciliation with her sister serves as a vivid illustration of her belief that success is a nuanced and highly personal concept that can be found in unexpected places. Julia Guo, a grade 11 student at Magee Secondary School. Julia cannot wait to watch the TedxYouth event play out in June and the various ways that success will be presented. Having been at this school since grade 8 and seeing it progress through the many years, Julia believes that Magee offers the perfect environment for such an event. From the welcoming people to the kind, understanding teachers, it is the Magee community Julia values. Currently, she contributes to the school environment through running the school magazine in order to share student and teacher voices, hoping to create a closer knit community. 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

Eric's speech was centered around the theme of decision-making, the butterfly effect, and personal motivation. He began by discussing the importance of setting goals and achieving them, then delved into the decision-making process and how even small choices can lead to significant changes in life, echoing the concept of the butterfly effect. He shared a personal experience where he initially lacked motivation to study and, as a result, performed poorly on entry tests. However, after deciding to dedicate his efforts to studying, he retested and passed. He and a friend, who had a similar experience, became top students, pushing themselves to meet and exceed expectations. Eric concluded his speech by emphasizing that simple and quick decisions had the power to change his life completely. His story served as an inspiring reminder that personal commitment, coupled with deliberate choices, can lead to remarkable transformations and achievements, reinforcing the notion that small changes can have substantial impacts. Eric Changbean Kang, from Maple Ridge, Canada, is an accomplished individual excelling academically and in leadership roles. He is the President of the THSS Extreme Math Club, leads the THSS Robotics Club, and has won awards in math competitions. Eric is also a skilled athlete in badminton and short track skating, with achievements in baseball. He volunteers at hospitals and the ice rink, and is the founder of the Sunrisers Foundation and Claw for Humanity Technologies. With aspirations to become an oral maxillofacial surgeon, Eric combines his academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to making a positive impact on others. 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

In a thought-provoking speech, Eric emphasizes that true success lies not in external achievements but in the valuable experiences gained, the lessons learned, and the journey of personal growth. He shares compelling anecdotes and insights that illustrate the significance of embracing challenges and learning from failures. Furthermore, Eric encourages the audience to focus on their individual growth and self-improvement as the ultimate measures of success, inspiring them to see every obstacle as an opportunity for development and advancement. Eric Sun, a student at University-Hill Secondary School, is a remarkable individual with a passion for music and community service. He dedicates his time to volunteering for charitable events and has co-founded the nonprofit organization "Havenarise Youth Foundation." Through this foundation, Eric focuses on supporting homeless children and addressing the issue of opioid overdose among children. Additionally, Eric showcases his artistic talent and commitment to preserving cultural heritage as a teenage leader in the event "Paintings on Rock about the Century-Old History of Vancouver." His dedication to making a positive impact on society is truly commendable. 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

Peter's speech revolved around the central theme that struggle is not only an unavoidable part of life but also a path that leads to success. He emphasized that the choices we make, even in the face of painful feelings, define who we become and shape our destiny. He underscored the importance of motivation in overcoming challenges and turning pain into a driving force that leads to success. He illustrated this point by sharing Helen's encouraging story, a tale of triumph over adversity that served as a tangible example of how persistence and courage can turn pain into a key to unlocking success. His speech was a passionate call to embrace the struggle and use it as a catalyst for growth and achievement. With the right attitude, even the most painful experiences can lead to profound personal development and success Peter Dai, a compassionate and community-oriented Grade 10 student at University Hill Secondary School, emigrated to Canada last summer. Firm in the belief that setbacks are stepping stones to success, he is an active participant in the school choir, basketball team, and serves as a Media Management Leader for TedxYouth. He also leads local events such as Paintings on Rock and VIVA Donate for disaster relief. As president of the Light-spreading Foundation, he leverages his leadership skills nurtured in China, where he was a class leader and a prizewinner in the CCF Olympic competition. He's an enthusiastic volunteer, relishing every moment of service. 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