Like a lava cake, people carry a warm, rich emotional center beneath a polished exterior. 6th grader Joshika Balaji shares her personal experience of "breaking her shell" and discovering the power of vulnerability and empathy. Learn why choosing connection over perfection creates space for others to share their warmth and reminds us we are never alone. Joshika Balaji is a 6th grader at Fred J. Carnage Middle School, passionate about speaking, music, leadership, and reading. She is a Royal Conservatory of Music State Award Winner in Piano, recognized for her dedication and artistry. A passionate reader with a love for exploring new ideas, Joshika enjoys using her voice, whether through public speaking, performance, or community leadership, to inspire others. She brings curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does, making her a young leader excited to share her perspective on the TEDx stage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How to actually change your habits | Kim Foster | TEDxSurrey
12.8K views

How cryptocurrency creates risks for everyone | Tonantzin Carmona | TEDxMidAtlantic
8.6K views

The Right to Be Forgotten: Why the Internet Should Let People Change | Emma Dutta | TEDxKCISLK Youth
561 views

Comparing Ourselves Online: How Social Media Steals Joy | Olivia Chang | TEDxKCISLK Youth
443 views

How stories create systems | Kasem Rodriguez Mohsen | TEDxMtHood
389 views

The Frisbee: What School Lunch Says About Student Health | Joseph Lee | TEDxKCISLK Youth
410 views