In her TEDx talk, “The Strength of Saying ‘I’m Not Okay,'” Jasmine Jung explores the often-taboo subject of vulnerability and mental health. Through her heartfelt narrative, she emphasizes the importance of openly acknowledging our struggles rather than masking them. Jung shares her personal experiences, illustrating how admitting to feeling “not okay” can foster deeper connections and encourage a supportive community.
She challenges societal norms that promote the facade of perpetual strength and success, advocating instead for authenticity and shared human experiences. By encouraging viewers to embrace their emotions, Jung empowers us to break free from the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Her insights serve as a reminder that saying “I’m not okay” is not a weakness, but rather a courageous step toward healing and resilience. Through her powerful message, she inspires others to prioritize mental well-being and promote open conversations, ultimately paving the way for a more compassionate society.
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Author Video Description
Jasmine spent years hiding her fear and embarrassment while skiing, pretending she was fine even when she wanted to quit. Everything changed when a friend named Jane admitted she was scared too — and Jasmine realized that sharing struggles isn’t weakness. Drawing on the film Inside Out, her talk reveals how honesty about our feelings can be the beginning of courage, friendship, and joy. Jasmine Jung is currently a 5th grade student at BC Collegiate. At school, she enjoys subjects such as Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. She is curious about how the world works and enjoys learning new ideas through reading and classroom discussions.
Outside of school, Jasmine has a strong passion for skiing. Over the past few years, she has participated in several ski competitions and has continued to improve her skills on the slopes. She also enjoys reading in her free time and loves discovering new stories and information through books.
Jasmine has also attended summer camp at Iolani School in Hawaii, where she had the opportunity to learn new things, meet students from different places, and gain new experiences.
Looking ahead, Jasmine hopes to continue challenging herself academically and personally as she enters middle school. 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 “The Strength of Saying “I'm Not Okay” | Jasmine Jung | TEDxBC Collegiate Youth” was uploaded on 05/18/2026 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks