戴 如蓝

Student

I am a student at Jiangsu Tianyi High School with a deep curiosity about humanity, culture, and the stories that shape our world. I have always been fascinated by the connections between individuals and society, which has led me to explore diverse fields including history, religion, psychology, literature, and technology. Reading has been one of the most important parts of my life. I enjoy exploring different genres, from historical works that reveal the complexity of human civilizations to mystery novels that challenge me to think critically and uncover hidden perspectives. Through books, I have discovered that every person, culture, and era carries unique stories waiting to be understood. My favorite film, Moana, also reflects my appreciation for courage, self-discovery, and the journey of finding one’s own voice. Beyond academics, I actively engage in various creative and intellectual activities. I enjoy music, sports, and exploring new ideas across disciplines. My interest in history and religion comes from my desire to understand how human beliefs, values, and traditions have influenced the development of societies. I believe that studying the past allows us to better understand the present and imagine a more thoughtful future. As a young person growing up in a rapidly changing world, I am passionate about creating spaces where people can share ideas and connect with one another. Through organizing TEDxYouth@JiangsuTianyiHighSchool, I hope to bring together diverse perspectives, encourage meaningful conversations, and inspire young people to think beyond boundaries. I believe that every individual has a story worth sharing, and that small ideas, when exchanged with openness and empathy, can create meaningful change.

I have always been fascinated by the diversity of human experiences and the different ways people understand the world. Whether through books, conversations, or exploring different fields of knowledge, I enjoy discovering perspectives that challenge my existing beliefs and broaden my understanding. Reading has been an important part of my journey. Through literature, history, and studies of different cultures and beliefs, I have learned that every person and every society carries unique stories. I am especially interested in how individual experiences are shaped by historical backgrounds, cultural values, and personal choices. These stories remind me that behind every idea, there is often a person with emotions, struggles, and hopes. I believe meaningful conversations begin with the willingness to listen. In an increasingly connected yet sometimes divided world, understanding different perspectives is more important than ever. I am passionate about creating spaces where people feel encouraged to share their ideas, express their experiences, and learn from one another. Through TEDx, I hope to connect people with diverse backgrounds and create opportunities for young voices to be heard. I believe that a single story or idea has the power to inspire reflection, encourage empathy, and help us see the world from a new perspective.

For a long time, tears have been misunderstood. In many cultures and social environments, crying is often associated with weakness, fragility, or a lack of self-control. People, especially young individuals, are frequently encouraged to hide their emotions, stay strong, and avoid showing vulnerability. However, I believe that tears are not a symbol of weakness; they are a reflection of emotional courage. Expressing emotions requires honesty. In a world where people often feel pressured to present a perfect and confident image, allowing ourselves to acknowledge sadness, frustration, or even joy is an act of self-acceptance. A tear does not represent someone who has failed to endure difficulties; instead, it represents someone who is brave enough to recognize and embrace their own feelings. This idea is especially meaningful for young people today. As students face academic pressure, social expectations, and uncertainty about the future, many struggle with the belief that they must always appear successful and composed. Yet emotional expression is not the opposite of strength. Understanding our emotions allows us to better understand ourselves and develop deeper connections with others. By changing the way we view tears, we can create a more empathetic environment where vulnerability is not something to be ashamed of, but something that brings people closer together. When we allow ourselves and others to express emotions freely, we build a society that values authenticity, compassion, and humanity. I hope this idea can remind people that being human means experiencing a full range of emotions. True strength does not come from never showing weakness; it comes from having the courage to be honest with ourselves.

I‘m good at singing and playing badminton. I've studied singing for 4 years and badminton for 5 years. I love them very much.

My TED story began when I watched a TED Talk by an actress who shared her journey of pursuing her dream. What impressed me was not only her determination to overcome challenges and continue moving toward her goals, but also the deeper message behind her story: sometimes, the most important step in our journey is learning to pause, accept ourselves, and give ourselves permission to breathe. As young people, we often grow up believing that success requires constant effort and that slowing down means falling behind. We are encouraged to chase achievements, meet expectations, and keep moving forward. However, this TED Talk reminded me that pursuing dreams should not mean losing ourselves along the way. True growth also requires self-reflection, balance, and the courage to set ourselves free from unnecessary pressure. The idea of “setting myself free” has stayed with me. It does not mean giving up on ambitions or avoiding challenges; instead, it means understanding that our value is not defined only by our accomplishments. Sometimes, taking a break, embracing uncertainty, and allowing ourselves to experience different emotions are essential parts of becoming a stronger and more authentic person. This TED Talk inspired me to look beyond success stories and explore the human experiences behind them. Everyone has struggles, doubts, and moments when they need to pause. I hope that through TEDx, more people can share not only their achievements, but also the personal journeys, emotions, and reflections that make their stories meaningful. To me, TED is not just a platform for sharing ideas; it is a place where people remind each other that every human experience is worth listening to.

People often do not realize that I am good at integrating resources and continuously improving myself. When I encounter something unfamiliar, I enjoy actively searching for information, learning from different perspectives, and connecting various resources to find solutions. Rather than waiting for opportunities to appear, I prefer to create opportunities through exploration and action. Over time, I have developed the ability to quickly adapt to new environments and acquire new skills. Whether learning about a new academic field, organizing projects, or exploring creative ideas, I believe growth comes from being willing to learn and make connections. I enjoy bringing together different people, knowledge, and perspectives to transform ideas into meaningful outcomes. I think this ability allows me to see possibilities where others may only see challenges. For me, self-improvement is not about becoming perfect, but about constantly expanding my understanding of the world and myself.