TEDxBU Salon: Finding Yourself In Yourself

Come hear incredible stories from our speakers that challenge our preconceived notions of community, belonging, and culture.

Casey Medert

Boston University College of Arts and Sciences Class of 2028

Discomfort and Embarrassment; Necessary Risks in the Pursuit of Connection

As a society, there is a tendency to hesitate reaching for our goals--connection, fulfillment, opportunity--due to fear worries of feeling embarrassed. In reality, exposing oneself to discomfort breeds resilience and gets you over the hurdle of being "embarrassing" or "cringy." While the fear of rejection and negative perception is prevalent, especially within Gen-Z, altogether avoidance of discomfort and inconvenience when pursuing relationships is what can hinder connection.

Dr. Suela Papagelis

CEO & Founder

Lecturer Boston University Metropolitan College, Northeastern University , and Suffolk University

Ethics at the Core: Why Responsible AI Matters for Human Dignity, Justice, and Trust in a Changing World

This topic explores why ethics must guide how artificial intelligence is designed, deployed, and governed to protect people and societies. It examines how responsible AI can reduce bias and discrimination, safeguard privacy and autonomy, and ensure transparency and accountability in automated decisions. At a deeper level, it asks how AI can be aligned with human dignity, justice, and the public good, so that technological progress strengthens—rather than undermines—trust, democracy, and social cohesion.

Andrew DiBiasio

First-Generation Senior Advertising and Journalism Student (COM ‘26)

Social Media: A Gen-Z Storyteller’s Innate Corporate Superpower

Students fill their resumes and cover letters with employment experience, leadership positions, and awards, but what if I told you that the most powerful aspect of a student’s professional self may be rooted in the digital age in which they were born? Newsrooms, marketing agencies, and publishing companies have professionals who produce stories, but what about those dedicated to getting those stories heard? This talk aims to show aspiring Gen-Z storytellers that there is a professional demand behind the doomscroll, and what may be a mere passive pastime of theirs is actually their gateway to generational power in today’s job market.

Arthitaya Jaturapat

MET College MS in Project Management

What If Your Insecurity Is Also Your Strength?

In this talk, I reflect on the moment I was told to “talk less” and how it forced me to confront my insecurities—from being outspoken to identity, language, and belonging. Rather than eliminating them, I share how I learned to reframe insecurities into strengths through self-compassion and intentional growth.

Karishma Udeshi

Boston University Questrom School of Business Class of 2028

Joy of Giving

Giving is often misunderstood as an act of sacrifice, something we do once we have more than enough. But true giving works in the opposite direction. It is not about loss, but connection. Through small, intentional acts — time, attention, empathy — giving reshapes how we see others and ourselves. In a world driven by accumulation and achievement, generosity offers a quieter form of success: one rooted in contribution, shared humanity, and the joy that comes from lifting someone else along the way.

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Host or Publisher Boston University Howard Thurman Center