Key Observations - High school is a formative period where students seek belonging and identity through various activities [1][2] - Social stigma and fear of judgment can hinder students from openly pursuing their passions [2] - Students may feel pressured to conform to perceived social norms, limiting their exploration of diverse interests [3] - Finding a passion can provide a sense of belonging and self-expression, enhancing the high school experience [4][5] Challenges and Trade-offs - Balancing passions with academic expectations can be challenging, leading to feelings of inadequacy or exclusion [8][10] - Choosing to pursue a passion may result in social trade-offs and a shift in social circles [9][10] - Adapting to change and accepting the consequences of pursuing one's passion is crucial for well-being [11][12] Belonging and Well-being - A significant percentage of high school students, between 40% and 56%, do not feel a sense of belonging in their school setting [14] - Pursuing passions can lead to increased confidence, fulfillment, and a brighter outlook on life [16][18] - Finding contentment and joy is essential, and the path to self-discovery is unique to each individual [19][20]

Core Message - Belonging is not a fixed place but a question, emphasizing the active role of individuals in creating their own sense of belonging [8][19] - The universe responds to the question "Where do I belong?" suggesting that actively seeking belonging leads to answers and opportunities [9][10] - Observation and desire are powerful tools for shaping reality, with desire acting as the ultimate observer to collapse infinite possibilities into a single truth [11] Quantum Physics Analogy - Quantum physics principles, such as superposition and the observer effect, are used as metaphors for understanding belonging and personal transformation [1][4][5] - Legacy is presented as a probability cloud, and courage is the force that collapses it, highlighting the impact of past generations and personal bravery [13] - Quantum tunneling is used as an analogy for overcoming barriers, with certifications, learning, and ancestral grit enabling individuals to "walk through walls" [14] Overcoming Barriers - The speaker's personal journey of overcoming the lack of a college degree and professional certifications to work in tech is highlighted [12][14] - The importance of certifications, continuous learning, and leveraging ancestral strength to overcome obstacles and achieve goals is emphasized [14][15] - The concept of quantum entanglement is used to illustrate how aligning with certain frequencies and visions can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities [16][17] Actionable Insights - Individuals are encouraged to view themselves as infinite possibilities and to actively choose their path [6][19] - Every skill, connection, and brave choice creates quantum pathways where breakthrough becomes inevitable [19] - The talk advocates for a shift towards technical rigor, adaptive change management, and diversity, suggesting a proactive approach to personal and professional development [15]

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 ...