In her thought-provoking TEDxYouth talk, Taya Apalkova challenges the oversimplification of individuals as mere headlines in the media. Drawing from her own experiences, Taya highlights the complexities of identity and the often stark contrast between how we perceive ourselves and how we are portrayed publicly. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the multifaceted nature of every person, urging listeners to look beyond the surface and appreciate the rich narratives that shape each individual. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt insights, Taya advocates for deeper understanding and empathy in a world dominated by quick judgments and snap decisions. By learning to see each other as more than just headlines, Taya believes we can foster more meaningful connections and create a more compassionate society. This inspiring talk encourages us all to consider the stories behind the headlines we consume, reminding us that everyone has a unique journey worth exploring.
Watch the video by TEDxTalks
Author Video Description
Taya shares her story as a young refugee and makes a case for why immigration makes our country stronger. Taya is a junior at Mount Notre Dame High School and a passionate advocate for change. She leads the Multicultural Student Union, serves as Vice President of Model United Nations, participates in the Youth Philanthropy Council, and is a published author. As a Russian-Ukrainian political asylee, Taya draws on her personal experiences to champion immigrant rights, women’s empowerment, and justice for victims of the Ukraine-Russia War. She plans to study philosophy, law, and political science after high school, with the goal of educating others and fostering understanding about immigration and its impact on society. 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
About TEDxTalks
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 “We Are More Than a Headline | Taya Apalkova | TEDxYouth@Dayton” was uploaded on 04/21/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks