TEDxYouth@DhahranHighSchool 2018 celebrated the limitless spirit of human potential. From the power of thought to the courage of action, this year’s talks challenged students and educators alike to look beyond limits, personal, social, and global, and to recognize the strength that comes from daring to think differently.
Speakers explored themes of balance, ambition, and self-awareness. They asked us to redefine what it means to succeed, to question how we measure worth, and to embrace the passions that make us unique. Whether confronting mental health stigma, challenging educational norms, or imagining a cashless future, each speaker offered a new way to see the world and our place in it.
This event brought together young visionaries, teachers, and community leaders, each with a story that reminded us that age, background, or circumstance should never confine what we can achieve.
In a world that often tells us to stay within our lines, TEDxYouth@DhahranHighSchool 2018 inspired everyone to dream, act, and live beyond boundaries.
Abdul Hakim Lawal:
The Golden Mean: A Balance Between Extremes
Abdul Hakim Lawal: The Golden Mean: A Balance Between Extremes
One of the hardest things to do in life is find balance. Deciding what to do, when to do it, and how to prioritize things is no menial task, and it happens to be one of the most important skills to have. In this talk, Abdul Hakim Lawal articulates the importance of balance, and simple ways it can be achieved within daily life.
Adam Irshaid:
Mental Health in the Arab World
Adam Irshaid: Mental Health in the Arab World
Nobody wants to face it, but there is a major problem all around the world. People hope that if they ignore it then it'll go away but that will never happen because it is a basic human struggle that many of us have to go through. Watch as I describe the problem, give two opposing examples of the situation, and propose a solution to fix the problem.
Hugh Knight:
You Are Not Special, And That is Okay
Hugh Knight: You Are Not Special, And That is Okay
It's an uncomfortable idea, isn't it? That the vast majority of us are deluding ourselves into believing that we, as human beings, are - explicitly or implicitly - above others. That we are forced to obey our egos and go day by day trying to inflate our confidence just to stay sane. If only there was a way to break out of these shackles, eh?
Jad Khoury:
Why School Sucks
Jad Khoury: Why School Sucks
From dealing with stress and piles of work over our heads to lacking sleep, all students know that school sucks, but do we know the real reason why? In his speech, Jad advocates against the common misconception that going to school and being educated are correlated. He affirms the idea that grades are not a measure of intelligence and talks about the flaws in our educational system and why they exist truly answering the question of why school sucks.
Karima Abou Ghanem:
Your Thoughts Are Reality
Karima Abou Ghanem: Your Thoughts Are Reality
Our thoughts have so much power over us, they control our minds and our lives. Our thoughts are the reality of the life we live in because we behave in accordance with them. Rather than having ill thoughts roam, let them be positive and happy so you can live happily, with confidence in yourself.
Libby Lies:
Nerd Is Just Another Word For Passion
Libby Lies: Nerd Is Just Another Word For Passion
“Nerd” is a word traditionally meant to mock, but what if we changed the way we use it? What if changing our words helped change our paradigms? In this talk, Libby Lies explores how re-appropriating the word nerd can lead to embracing one's passions.
Mohammad Arhaam Mukati:
The Truth About Media, Migrants and Morality
Mohammad Arhaam Mukati: The Truth About Media, Migrants and Morality
We all have a heart, which is true - except for the fact that we don't. Not when it comes to the genocide of a people, the starvation of 15 million, or the soon-to-be century long occupation of an entire nation. Isn't it high time we stop limiting our scope of morality?
Rachna Korhonen:
Dream Beyond Your Boundaries
Rachna Korhonen: Dream Beyond Your Boundaries
Rachna Korhonen, Consul General at the Consulate General of the United States in Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, encourages youth to dream beyond their boundaries. CG Korhonen shares her personal and professional achievements and how she was able to overcome boundaries with the support of her family, friends, and colleagues.
Rym Messaoudi:
Potential
Rym Messaoudi: Potential
Limited time means we need to maximize what we do and the quality of what we do. How can we, in the short time we call "life" reach our full potential? How important is it? Why should it matter? Potential runs the world; we have infinite capabilities, and it is important and necessary to reach those capabilities
Saira Munir:
A Counterargument: How Can I Make A Difference?
Saira Munir: A Counterargument: How Can I Make A Difference?
We all ask ourselves the question "How can I make a difference?" believing that our actions are insignificant, that in a world of 7 billion on the cusp of 8 billion, our actions as individuals are futile. However it's the power of positive thoughts that can single-handedly promote the world to be a better place
Vaniza Ali Merchant:
Choosing Happiness
Vaniza Ali Merchant: Choosing Happiness
What do you want in life? What is your ultimate goal? What do you want in your future? Many want fame, money, love, or perhaps just a stable job. What I want in life is to truly be happy. And with that happiness, it won't matter if I have the other smaller things in life because there is nothing that over powers your happiness. Watch Choosing Happiness to find out how to live everyday with a positive mindset.
Vishesh Jain:
A Cashless World?
Vishesh Jain: A Cashless World?
We live in an age where pieces of plastic define your wealth. We live in a time where technology and advancements are at their peak. We have left many of our old ways behind, but in this rush for modernization, will we lose our cash somewhere?