TEDx Youth
ASM has hosted three TEDx Youth events. The theme in 2025 was ‘Human Behavior’, and World of Work students played a major role in the organization of the event. TEDx ASM Youth is part of TED Talks, a global initiative about ideas worth spreading.
Laney Bartos
The Fiction Effect: How Stories Shape Our Emotional Intelligence
Fiction doesn’t just entertain—it transforms. In her talk, 10th grader Laney Bartos reveals how reading fiction develops our emotional intelligence by strengthening empathy, self-awareness, and social skills. Drawing from both personal experience and scientific research, she shows how stepping into a character’s shoes is one of the most powerful tools we have to understand ourselves and others more deeply.
Mikel Garcia Mondragon
The Voice in your head: Friend or Foe
In this compelling talk, 10th-grade student Mikel Garcia Mondragon explores how the brain distorts memories to protect us during times of trauma and change. Drawing from neuroscience and his journey of moving from Mexico to Spain during the pandemic, he reveals how distorted memories can limit our happiness and self-perception. Mikel empowers the audience to question the narratives they hold about themselves and encourages the rewriting of those stories to unlock new possibilities and purpose.
Aileen Hwang
Rewriting Reality: How Technology Changes the Way We Think
11th-grade student Aileen Hwang explores how breakthroughs in neurotechnology, like brain-computer interfaces and brain organoids, are poised to reshape what it means to be human. Her talk examines the evolving relationship between cognition and behavior, asking how these advancements might influence identity, empathy, and interaction. As science moves forward, Aileen calls on us to think critically about how we engage with the future of the mind.
Daniel Sheth
From Government to People: The New Space Age
Space exploration is no longer just a government race—it’s becoming a new frontier for private innovation. In this talk, 12th grader Daniel Sheth unpacks the shift from national missions to commercial collaboration in space. He explores how this transformation opens the door to sustainable exploration, cutting-edge technologies, and entrepreneurial opportunities. This is the new space age—and it’s not just for astronauts.
Paula Serrano
The Illusion of Free Will in Fashion
Is your fashion sense truly your own? In this engaging talk, Paula Serrano, in 11th grade, challenges the illusion of personal style. Using cultural references—from movie montages to social media trends—she delves into how marketing and algorithms subtly shape our fashion choices. Merging philosophy with pop culture, Paula invites the audience to reflect on the real forces behind what we wear and consider how much agency we truly have.
David Sandler
The Attention Heist: How to Steal Back Your Focus
Our attention is under attack, and we barely notice. In this eye-opening talk, 11th-grader David Sandler explains how tech platforms use feedback loops to keep us hooked and distracted. He explores how this constant stimulation rewires the brain, diminishes focus, and harms productivity. David shares practical strategies to take back control, showing that focus isn’t lost—it can be trained.
Angela Gomez Montoya
The Rain Is Our Fault
What if the biggest challenges we face aren’t external but internal? In this inspiring talk, ASM parent Angela Gomez Montoya explores how taking ownership of our mindset can turn setbacks into opportunities. With stories drawn from her work in global education and personal life, she unpacks the meaning behind her favorite phrase, “The rain is our fault,” encouraging us to embrace discomfort, seek growth, and lead with purpose.
Roque and Cosme Lavin Delgado
The Voice in your head: Friend or Foe
In this talk, Roque and Cosme, 9th and 10th-grade brothers, explore the powerful role of self-talk in performance and mindset. Drawing lessons from years of competitive golf, they reveal how inner dialogue can either sabotage or elevate us during high-pressure moments. The brothers offer insights and strategies for transforming the inner critic into an inner coach—lessons that apply far beyond the golf course.
Alejandro & Andrés Restrepo Gómez
How Nature Can Help Us Improve Our Emotional Intelligence
What if nature is the missing link to emotional intelligence? In this enlightening talk, ASM parents and alumni Alejandro and Andrés Restrepo Gómez explore how spending time in natural environments and engaging with animals, especially horses, can transform the way we understand and regulate our emotions. Horses reflect our inner state, teaching us authenticity, trust, and presence. Drawing from both science and lived experience, the brothers present nature as a powerful teacher for empathy, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Vasilisa Stoliarova
Breaking the Perfect Illusion
9th-grade student Vasilisa Stoliarova unmasks the harmful effects of perfectionism, a trait often celebrated yet rarely questioned. She shares her struggle with unrealistic expectations and the cycle of self-criticism that came with it. Vasilisa offers a compassionate perspective on how perfectionism impacts mental health and relationships and introduces practical ways to break free, starting with changing the way we speak to ourselves.
TEDx Youth@ASM 2022
TEDxYouth@ASM 2021
This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED