Refugee Experience & Challenges - Refugees flee their home countries due to war, violence, or fear of persecution, unlike immigrants who choose to come to the US [3] - Upon arrival in the US, refugees face challenges such as language barriers, navigating new systems, and starting over in an unfamiliar environment [4][13] - The process of reuniting with family can be slow, frustrating, and filled with paperwork, causing emotional distress [15] - Refugees may experience a sense of shame when needing assistance, especially if they were providers in their home countries [13] Integration & Contribution - Over time, refugees can adapt, flourish, and contribute to American society [14][17] - Many refugees learn English and acquire new skills, becoming successful members of their communities [14][17] - Some refugees become case workers or start organizations to help other refugees navigate their new lives [16][17] Call to Action - New refugees need support, including kindness, empathy, and patience [19] - Simple acts of assistance, such as offering help, can make a significant difference, but communication is key [19]

[Music] What happens when the place you're from doesn't really feel like it belongs to you. And what if instead of ignoring that discomfort, you dare to ask why. I was born into a cross-cultural life.Born and raised in China, Pakistani by blood, fluent in English and struggling in Udu. It often felt like I was living in a translation. Sometimes too local to be foreign or too foreign to be local.And at the time I thought there was something wrong with that until I picked up a camera. It initially started as ...

[Music] [Applause] Hello everyone. My name is Victoria and I am from YWS Lingong. Raise your hand if you have ever felt like you didn't belong.What if I told you that exact feeling is the key to unlocking the power of change. Would you believe me. Well, the truth is being stuck in between isn't a trap, but a training ground for resilience, creativity, and belonging.Let me take you back to my first day of school in China. After getting lost, a teacher found me in the empty hallways and led me into the princi ...

Core Idea - Community is not found, but built through intentional effort [4][19] - The "one chair mindset" encourages individuals to proactively include others [9] - Building community involves inclusion, connection, and collaboration [8] Problem Highlighted - 50% of young adults report loneliness despite increased connectivity [7] - People often wait for others to initiate connection, leading to isolation [6] - The myth that community is easily found can lead to feelings of not belonging [5] Actionable Steps - Notice who is missing and make the first move to include them [12] - Invite others, even if they decline, as the act of reaching out is valuable [13] - Focus on building one connection at a time [9][14]

Identity & Belonging - The speech explores the multifaceted nature of identity, suggesting it's more than just nationality or heritage [2] - It emphasizes building personal communities and fostering meaningful relationships to shape one's identity [1] - The speech advocates for creating spaces where individuals truly belong, rather than trying to fit into existing molds [4] Overcoming Isolation - The speech acknowledges the universal feeling of isolation and encourages individuals to build their own communities [1] - It highlights the importance of connection in providing purpose and meaning to life [1] Communication & Understanding - The speech touches upon language barriers and misunderstandings that can arise from not being fluent in multiple languages [1] - It suggests that true identity is influenced by the people around us and our everyday experiences, not just superficial labels [2]

Dora Puhakka was a Speaker at TEDxEspoo Youth 2025! What does it truly mean to connect with another human being? In this TEDx Talk, Dora Puhakka invites us to reflect on one of the most universal human needs: to be seen, to be heard, and to feel that we belong. From the beginning of the Talk we are reminded that human connection is not a luxury - it is a necessity. Yet despite living in an increasingly interconnected world, many of us feel isolated, divided, and misunderstood. This Talk explores how concept ...

This TEDx speech recounts the speaker’s personal journey of belonging—from getting lost as a child and realizing home was wherever her parents were, to grappling with identity as an adult with roots in Iran, Malaysia, India, Canada, Thailand, Laos, and now China. She reflects on how home transcends borders, arguing that humanity should unite as one global family, embracing love, respect, and justice. Ultimately, she urges listeners to see the planet as our shared home and to be "the salt" that makes a meani ...

[Music] [Applause] I remember the moment the door swung open and I saw 25 kids stir me up and down. I was six years old and I did what I knew best. I hid behind two large trees, my father's legs.We had just moved from Germany to Portugal to Lagos, my family's hometown. And my mother gently assured me, "Darling, don't worry. In Portugal, all the kids are just like you." What does that even mean when you're six. Sure, I spoke Portuguese. Sure, I look Portuguese.I still do. Brown eyes, brown hair, but the way ...

Personal Growth & Adaptation - The subject experienced a significant life change moving from a small town in Italy to London [1] - Initial challenges included language barriers and feelings of loneliness [6] - Overcoming these challenges involved perseverance, empathy, and active participation in school activities [7] - The subject emphasizes the importance of kindness and respect in building relationships [6] The Meaning of Home - Home is defined not just as a physical place, but as a feeling of safety, understanding, and value [8][9] - Family and school played crucial roles in creating a sense of belonging in a new environment [8] - The subject's perspective evolved over nearly 4 years, with London increasingly feeling like home [7]

Job Market Analysis - The US economy added 139,000 jobs in May, exceeding expectations, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 42% [1] - Healthcare and hospitality sectors are showing significant hiring gains [1] - Job seekers need to be strategic in geography, industry, and skill set to secure employment [1] Wage and Negotiation - Employees need to negotiate effectively during the hiring process [1] - Employees should equip themselves with as much information and leverage as possible [1] Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) - Only 35% of LGBTQ+ professionals feel comfortable being their full selves at work [1] - LGBTQ+ professionals have a higher turnover rate due to unmet expectations regarding company inclusivity [1] - Companies should be evaluated for their commitment to inclusion through culture cues, employee resource groups, and network referrals [1][2] - Inclusive companies often have members of marginalized groups in leadership positions [3] - Companies with inclusive benefits like family planning support and gender-affirming care are more likely to have inclusive policies [3] - Shareholder votes against anti-DEI initiatives indicate a company's commitment to upholding DEI values [4][5]