My comeback didn't begin in a stadium or at a life-changing conference. It began in aisle 5 of a Walgreens. It was a cold January day. I was picking up toothpaste, nursing a hangover again, clutching a coffee, and feeling the pain rock my brain from back to front. I studied myself. Shopping basket on my arm. The fluorescent lights a little too bright for me. Valentine's Day was around the corner, but I was worried about my friend Steve. He'd been acting erratically the night before, and I'd stepped in to ta ...

When I was younger, my neighborhood was alive with little rituals, and even I had one of my own. In the morning before school, I would see uncles and aunties doing tai chi at the basketball court. After school, the void deck would be filled with chattiness of the aunties, and I would usually say, "Hello, auntie." before heading up to the leaf.By late afternoon, the playground would echo with laughter. And if I were to spot my neighbor playing below, I would rush to my mom and ask her, "Can I go down and pla ...

Key Takeaways - College experience can be isolating, with nearly 60% of students reporting feelings of loneliness [7] - Loneliness in college isn't just a statistic, it's a lived experience for many [7] - Connection isn't something that just happens, it's something that needs to be built through active participation [6][17] Actionable Steps - Reframing mindset and stepping into clubs and organizations can transform loneliness into real connection [6] - Actively joining spaces where one can make friends and experience campus life is crucial [11] - Building connection involves small steps like joining clubs, attending meetings, and initiating interactions [18][19] Personal Growth - Realizing that one's loneliness is their own responsibility is a turning point [8] - Taking intentional action and creating spaces for connection can transform loneliness [22] - Individuals have the power to make themselves seen and create their own unique experiences [21][22]

Core Concepts - The report explores the experience of living "in between" cultures and identities, focusing on the challenges and adaptations involved in finding happiness in new environments [1][2][5] - It introduces three concepts: liminality (the state of being in between identities), identity negotiation (adapting oneself in intercultural spaces), and code-switching (adjusting communication style) [2] - The speaker uses the analogy of cooking a traditional dish (Tavcha Grache) to illustrate these concepts, relating each ingredient and step to the experience of cultural adaptation [2] Personal Growth and Adaptation - The speaker shares personal experiences of adjusting to life in the US, highlighting differences in social interactions, relationships, and cultural norms [2][3][4] - The report emphasizes that nostalgia and moments of sadness are integral parts of the happiness-seeking process, not its opposite [5][6] - It highlights the importance of creating new rituals and finding joy in unexpected places, such as thrift stores and secondhand bookstores [6][7][8] Universal Themes - The feeling of being "not fully here or there" is presented as a universal experience, resonating with anyone who has felt like an outsider or has undergone significant life changes [5] - The report celebrates the resilience and adaptability of individuals who cross cultural boundaries to build new lives for themselves [11] - It frames happiness as an ongoing process of experimentation and adaptation, rather than a fixed destination or recipe [10][12]

Identity & Belonging - Accents carry assumptions about credibility, class, intelligence, and kindness, but can also be questioned and judged [2] - Belonging is complex and not as simple as one word, place, or passport [4] - Individuals with multicultural backgrounds often experience a sense of not fully belonging in any one place [6][13] - Identity is not a fixed thing but a tension and space in between different places and versions of oneself [14] - Home can be seen as the space between all the places one can't go back to [15] Language & Communication - People often make assumptions about others based on their accents and where they perceive them to be from [1] - Fluency in a language doesn't guarantee acceptance or a sense of belonging [9] - Code-switching, both linguistic and emotional, involves adapting one's voice and language to fit in, potentially leading to a loss of authenticity [12][13] - The world needs more honest voices, including those that are fractured, foreign, or fluent [25] - Belonging is a decision to show up with one's true voice, accent, and tone, even when the world demands silence [24]

I used to rehearse saying hello in my head before walking into a room. Not because I wanted to sound clever, but because I was terrified of getting it wrong. My heart would race, my hands would sweat.and every word felt like a test I was bound to fail. >> My name is Joanna Kashoka and for years I have lived with social anxiety silently. Today I want to talk about what that silence cost us and what happens when we start giving social anxiety a voice.When I was little, I was told I was too smart for my class, ...

Core Argument - Embracing uncertainty and cultivating bravery are essential for personal growth and maximizing human potential [1] - The overemphasis on creating "safe spaces" has paradoxically led to increased anxiety, loneliness, and feelings of helplessness [1][2] - Shifting one's identity to one of bravery fosters connection, collaboration, and the ability to positively impact the world [2][5] Key Concepts - **Safe Spaces vs Brave Spaces:** Safe spaces, while intending to protect from harm, can hinder connection and create dependence, while brave spaces encourage courage and compassion [1][5] - **Alignment of Purpose, Identity, and Activity:** Aligning these three elements is crucial for achieving personal fulfillment and maximizing potential [1][11] - **The Power of Connection:** Human beings are built for connection, and isolation can be detrimental to well-being [2][10] Practical Application - **The Head Nod:** A simple act of acknowledging another person through eye contact, a nod, and a smile can foster connection and create a sense of belonging [6][7] - **Non-Verbal Communication:** Non-verbal cues account for 55% of communication, highlighting the importance of actions like the head nod [9][12] - **Impact on Others:** By embracing bravery and letting one's light shine, individuals unconsciously give others permission to do the same [4]

Dil Dil Pakistan. A few years ago on Independence Day, I was just sitting in my room with my sisters and we were having this discussion just like how most of us ladies actually do. What are we going to wear? It's 14th August. We have to wear something green and white to show our patriotism with us in the room. We had the lady who helps at our home. So I asked her, "What are you doing for Independence Day. Aren't you celebrating. Aren't you excited.It's 14th of August. It's Independence Day. " and she said t ...

[Music] [Applause] My name is Admiad Kun, an English teacher, and you will never guess where I grew up. Shakespeare walk. So, I'm sure we can all agree that I was destined for literary greatness.Now, despite my loud proclamation of my name this evening, admittedly, it was once a source of embarrassment. I was born and raised in London to a Nigerian father and a Cameroonian mother who migrated to the United Kingdom in the 1980s. This makes me a first generation British individual.My parents were proud of the ...

Architectural Design & Urban Planning - Architecture is often treated as capital, with buildings viewed as assets and land as investment, prioritizing profit over emotional and social value [2] - Public spaces are shrinking while glass towers are increasing, indicating a shift away from designing for people and towards maximizing property value [3] - Subtle architectural elements, such as narrow sidewalks and benches without backrests, can negatively impact people's experience and sense of belonging [3][4] - The lack of legal requirements for design diversity in some regions, like Korea, leads to monotonous architecture and reduced aesthetic value [8][9] - Korean building regulations, requiring buildings to stand apart by 0.5% of their height for sunlight and fire safety, can create undesirable and impractical spaces [9] Societal Impact of Architecture - The built environment significantly impacts people's well-being, similar to how positive or negative interactions affect living organisms [6][7] - Neglecting the emotional and social aspects of architecture can lead to people feeling ignored and disconnected from their surroundings [6] - Architecture should prioritize inclusion and interaction to maximize happiness within society, rather than focusing solely on financial gain or awards [13] - Historically, Asian architecture often prioritized community service and collaboration over individual recognition, focusing on the architecture's impact [15] - The industry should encourage society to consider the impact of architecture and strive for better buildings that prioritize people's needs and well-being [17]