In “What My Gecko Taught Me About Love,” Audrey Cho shares a heartfelt and introspective journey inspired by her pet gecko. Through her personal anecdotes, Cho explores themes of connection, vulnerability, and the profound lessons that can arise from caring for another being. She reflects on the simplicity and beauty of love expressed without words, emphasizing that emotional bonds can transcend species. The gecko, with its unique quirks and needs, becomes a symbol of unconditional love and patience. Cho’s insights encourage viewers to appreciate the subtle expressions of affection found in everyday life, reminding us that love often manifests in the most unexpected ways. This TEDx talk resonates particularly with youth, urging them to embrace empathy and connection in a fast-paced world. Ultimately, Cho inspires a deeper understanding of love, urging us to cherish the small moments that define our relationships.
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Author Video Description
When Audrey accidentally injured her pet gecko’s leg, she realized that loving something is not the same as knowing how to care for it. As she learned about geckos’ needs and began to see the world from her pet’s perspective, her understanding deepened into genuine care. Her talk explores how real love means paying attention, seeking understanding, and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Audrey Cho is an 11-year-old student living in Seoul, South Korea. She adopted her first gecko in the summer of 2024, and her love for geckos quickly grew. At one point, her family cared for more than one hundred geckos and became especially interested in three species: leopard geckos, crested geckos, and African fat-tailed geckos.
Under her care, dozens of geckos have successfully hatched at her home. She currently raises more than twenty geckos, ranging from newborn hatchlings to adults.
In her spare time, Audrey enjoys drawing and painting geckos. She dreams of becoming a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles, and she loves reading books about animals as she continues to pursue that dream.
Through caring for these small creatures, Audrey has learned that love for animals comes with responsibility, patience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. 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
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “What My Gecko Taught Me About Love | Audrey Cho | TEDxBC Collegiate Youth” was uploaded on 05/18/2026 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks