TEDx Southlake
Anishka Choksi presented on Growth and ended her talk in an inspirational song.
For over 35 years, the TED conference series has been spreading ideas and perspectives in technology, entertainment and design along with a myriad of other significant topics. Last week, those same thought-provoking conversations came to the Westin as part of TEDx Southlake.
Hosted by the Share A Smile (SAS) Charity, TEDx Southlake is a localized conference led by eight Carroll ISD high school students focusing on the next generation of leaders. With this year's theme being "Unlearned," the Sunday event brought inspirational, thought-provoking and encouraging presentations from 14 well-vetted speakers ranging from high school students to successful global professionals.
“Every day you are always learning from others, but is there another way to learn? Yes. That is what today is about — unlearning,” emphasized the event’s co-organizer Arnav Koppala, a former TEDx Southlake speaker in seventh grade. Today, Arnav is a student at Carroll Senior High School who enjoys baking bread and all things politics.
TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities and is organized by passionate individuals who seek to uncover innovative ideas and leaders, bringing live conversations that align with the prestigious TEDx mission. The local organizing team consists of Uma Devireddy and Arnav Koppala, both passionate about helping others grow.
“Every human being is an individual themself," keynote organizer Uma Devireddy says. "We have to give grace."
On the "growth" segment, Dhruv Singh, a sophomore at the Talented and Gifted Magnet School in Townview, gave a humorous yet compelling speech about how exclusion drives growth.
"The next time you feel excluded, don't focus on the negative emotions that come with it," Dhruv says. "Allow the emotions to push you forward."
Freshman Anishka Chokshi spoke aptly around the topic as well, recounting her struggles with battling stage fright.
"Growth is not comparable," Anishka says. "You cannot compare your growth to someone else’s."