Theme: Solving For y^x : Thinking Outside of The Textbook

Where convention stops, innovation begins. True understanding frequently exists outside the confines of a textbook in a world where imagination and curiosity are the driving forces. "Solving for y^x" represents the quest for knowledge that goes beyond definitions and formulas, an encouragement to investigate the unknown by using non-traditional thinking.
This year, TEDxYouth@AbbeyParkHS pushes the limits of conventional education by promoting unconventional concepts, novel viewpoints, and creative solutions. By thinking outside the textbook, we find fresh ways to comprehend ourselves, our communities, and the always changing world around us.

Abbey Park High School Theatre
1455 Glen Abbey Gate
OAKVILLE, Ontario, L6M 2G5
Canada

Adarshkrishna Thoduvakkal

Student

Adarsh is a student at Brampton Centennial Secondary School. He will be talking about personal development and his own experiences in developing skills that are often overlooked. He felt inspired to talk about this topic due to the fact that these skills aren’t as prioritized as they should be, especially considering the science that’s just now emerging around self-improvement. Adarsh is big on leadership, particularly in hosting events and promoting them in a simple, uncomplicated manner. He believes that the best leaders inspire others to work towards a common goal out of their own volition, rather than just telling others what to do. A quote that he loves is “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. His ultimate objective in life is to have a good work-life balance, though he strives to make an impact on the world and leave it better than he found it. His core values are humility, curiosity, humour, and communication.

Ananya Agarwal

Student

Ana is a grade 8 student from Post’s Corners Public School in Oakville, Ontario. In her free time, Ana enjoys reading, writing, music, and topics related to the humanities. She will be speaking about a phenomenon that has affected both herself, and her peers. This is a topic that has played a large part in developing her education and mindset. Ana aims to make her surroundings a better place for those around her one day, through a career in law or policy.

Audrey Unga

Student

Audrey is a grade 12 student from Abbey Park High School. She has always been passionate about the idea that our thoughts shape our reality, the way we perceive the world can completely transform how we experience it. In her talk, Audrey dives into something we often hear but rarely stop to understand: gratitude. It is more than just saying thank you. It is a mindset, a lens that shapes how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. She will explore how our environment, identities, and internal dialogue all influence that lens and why recognizing it can be the first step towards real, lasting change. Through personal stories and global examples, Audrey hopes to challenge the way the audience thinks about gratitude and show just how powerful thoughts and perspectives can be in shaping reality.

Grace Carden

Student

Grace is a grade 11 student from M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington, Ontario. Her speech revolves around the idea of success and how we as a society may benefit from shifting our conventional view on the topic. This is a true passion for Grace as she believes that societal stress and the pressures of living up to standards is causing more harm than good. Outside of speaking, she is an acid student and leader, involving herself in as many extracurriculars as possible including student council, drama council, tech cre, link crew, student senate, and the Central Ontario Leadership Seminars Alumni Committee, giving back to her community through volunteering at the Burlington Food Bank, and more. Grace is a very passionate student and is dedicated to doing the best she can to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor when she grows up.

James Lyu

Student

James is a grade 11 student from Abbey Park High School. His speech will explore how to think outside of the box through bringing to light the troubles that we are encountering in medicine. He is fascinated by how new technological forces shape the medical field. His goal in life is to find meaning in society, with his core values being confidence and independence. Beyond academics, James enjoys playing the piano and swimming. One of his favourite quotes is: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles”.

Nivaan Saggar

Student

Nivaan, a grade 8 student from Rotherglen School in Oakville, Ontario. He is motivated to pursue his dreams without hesitation, inspired by the quote, “I want everyone to raise their hand. Now raise it a little bit higher. Ask yourself this question: why didn’t you go 100% the first time?”. Nivaan is also deeply inspired by his parents, who have worked hard to provide him with a wonderful life full of opportunities.

Saanvi Narang

Student

Saanvi is a grade 11 student that attends Abbey Park High School. Saanvi is fascinated by the way the mind works – not just in theories and textbooks, but in real life. At her core, she values genuinity, reliability, and curiosity. She believes in the power of understanding – whether it’s understanding ourselves, others, or the world around us. Psychology plays a crucial role in helping us recognize biases, strengthen relationships, and challenge the way reality is perceived. Saanvi’s talk explores these hidden influences. She hopes that her talk inspires the audience to see the world from a perspective they may have never considered before.

Sophia Abdirahman

Student

Sophia is a grade 12 student from Isna High School in Mississauga, Ontario. She is passionate about public speaking, debating, and playing basketball with family and friends. She deeply values respect and empathy. Sophia hopes to shed light on the systematic practices which allow for the continuation of the school-to-prison pipeline and how we can fight it through her speech. Her goal in life is to be able to advocate for others through using her opportunities to shed light on issues that society turns a blind eye to.

Umair Ansari

Student

Umair is a grade 8 student at Viola Desmond Public School in Milton, Ontario, with a passion for science and a curiosity that knows no bounds. He finds joy in exploring complex concepts and making them accessible for everyone, with a keen interest in physics. Umair has been captivated by the mysteries of quantum mechanics, particularly the thought experiments proposed by physicist Erwin Schrodinger, a topic he will be diving into on stage. He will unpack the intriguing paradox and its implications in understanding reality and uncertainty. He encourages the audience to ponder the question: what does it really mean for something to exist?