Confidence is essential to maintaining a healthy social life, yet many people seem to lack it. In this talk, Andrew addresses this complication by drawing from personal experience and expert advice, examining the value of effort and the role it plays in actually becoming confident. Andrew Gao is a sophomore at WWP High School South. 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

Marcel, un rebelde sin causa, cambia sus preguntas destructivas por preguntas constructivas. Nos muestra que, aunque pertenezcamos a una generación con problemas globales, tenemos herramientas ilimitadas, y podemos crear grandes cosas si aprendemos a hacernos las preguntas correctas. Marcel es una persona con una energía contagiosa. Su honestidad pura y su carácter extrovertido lo convierten en alguien imposible de ignorar cuando toma el micrófono. Movido por un hambre profunda de mejorar el mundo, ha hecho del cuestionamiento una brújula para su desarrollo personal, emocional y espiritual. En su charla, Marcel nos invita a ver la duda no como una amenaza, sino como una puerta: una que nos lleva a conocernos mejor, a romper con lo establecido y a construir una vida con más conciencia y propósito. 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

Overconsumption has become so normalized that most of us don’t even realize how deeply it influences our lives. In this talk, Pranya explores how the constant pressure to buy more has quietly taken away our ability to appreciate what we already have. She reveals how stepping back from this endless cycle of wanting can help us rediscover the true purpose of life. Pranya Agrawal is a senior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High 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

In his enlightening talk, the speaker delved deep into the unseen realms of the human mind and spirit, offering profound insights into the art of self-engineering. He began by emphasizing the significance of understanding the subconscious mind, an invisible yet powerful force that governs our actions, emotions, and perceptions. Drawing parallels between spirituality and practical living, he explained how true transformation begins not with changing the world, but by first mastering oneself. Through relatable examples, the speaker explored the spectrum of human emotions—from anger to empathy—and how awareness of these feelings can become a path toward inner balance and self-realization. He spoke about the modern world’s chaos, its obsession with external success, and the gradual drift away from inner peace. Yet, his message remained hopeful: spirituality is not a distant or abstract concept, but a practical discipline that can be integrated into everyday life. By merging timeless wisdom with contemporary understanding, his talk inspired listeners to look within, introspect, and align their thoughts and actions with higher consciousness. He reminded everyone that before engineering machines, systems or innovations, one must first engineer the self—the most intricate creation of all. Yagneshwara Dasa, Associate VP of The Akshaya Patra Foundation (Telangana & Andhra Pradesh), is a spiritual mentor and social impact leader who transitioned from fashion design (NIFT, 2000) to large-scale food service. He has designed record-breaking kitchens featured on National Geographic, created a high-speed laddu plant for Yadadri Temple, and oversees meals for millions of school children daily. As Vice President of the Hare Krishna Golden Temple, he mentors missionaries, leads cultural and digital outreach, and inspires youth through Vedic wisdom, embodying a journey from ambition to selfless 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

In a world that often labels sensitivity as a weakness, Ekta Bhanushali chose to see it as her greatest power. Once overwhelmed by emotions and self-doubt, she transformed her heightened sensitivity into a tool for understanding human behavior leading her to become a psychologist who helps others embrace their authentic selves.In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, Ekta shares her journey of defying odds, learning to listen to her emotions rather than suppress them, and turning her vulnerability into a force of empathy and connection. Through her story, she reminds us that our greatest challenges can become the very foundation of our strength if we dare to see them differently. Ekta Bhanushali is a dynamic psychologist, relationship coach, and educator whose mission is to simplify the most complex human emotion—connection. With her warm, empathetic approach and research-backed methods, she has helped countless individuals and couples strengthen bonds, nurture self-awareness, and embrace authenticity in every sphere of life. Her work blends psychology with practical life tools, making emotional well-being accessible, relatable, and transformative. Ekta has also been featured as a guest on The Ranveer Show (TRS), one of India’s most influential podcasts, where she shared her expertise on relationships, mental health, and human behavior with a global audience. Her appearance resonated widely, earning her recognition as a fresh, insightful voice who isn’t afraid to challenge stereotypes and start bold conversations. At TEDxMAIMS, Ekta will bring this unique blend of academic depth and real-world wisdom to the stage. 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

International students frequently arrive in the United States carrying big dreams but also big fears—language barriers, cultural differences, and financial pressures that make their voices quiet, hesitant, or even invisible. My talk unmutes this journey by showing students how to find their voice, speak their truth, and step into opportunities that once felt out of reach. To be unmuted means to stop whispering your worth and start declaring your vision. He holds four engineering degrees, including a PHD. in Chemical Engineering, and brings over 20 years of teaching experience in higher education along with a decade in corporate engineering. Beyond academia, he has conducted research in immunology and has served as a peer reviewer in neurology for the past seven years. He is now transitioning into Medical Affairs as a Medical Science Liaison, with a vision to also coach and mentor aspiring MSLs. In addition, he leads an educational business that empowers students and communities through tutoring, coaching, and speaking engagements. 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