TEDxYouth@KL!

 It was awesome!

*note: the final paragraph holds the most important part of this post.

I know the word is overused but it's short for amazingly wonderfully excellently superbly overwhelmingly movingly exceptional! plus all other words related to those.

When Shobana messaged me a few months back, all she said was, "Hey Alia, are you interested to be a speaker for our youth program?" and I never heard from her again til about one and a half months ago when she confirmed my speaking slot about my Smile Train project at TEDxYouth@KL.

Basically it's a summit gathering youths and featuring speakers who would share on how to Be the Change. You can check out more about them here: www.tedxyouthkl.com

I've given a speech about the Smile Train a few times before but it only lasts about 7 minutes. This was a challenge because it's timed for 18 minutes. I crafted the speech about a month back; but with studies, SCTLs, assignments, assessments, exams, I was a little distracted. On Thursday morning, few days ago, I was having a really bad sore throat and woke up to find that I could only croak a few sounds much to my horror. From then til the morning of the event, I had been coughing and sneezing and hoping to conserve my voice; and that my immune system would please please please not start acting up during the presentation. Allah answered my prayers:) But during the whole event, I ended up talking to people (many amazing ones, I must say), straining my already-inflamed throat and it is now mayday-ing for some rest.

I met many dedicated youths today; people I would want to work with and associate with any time, any where:) They are so awe-inspiring (is there such a word?). Prashun, Shobana, Hafiz, Tristan, Teng Yew, among some of the organizers. And listening to the other enlightening speakers, Niki, John-Son, Navin (sorry I missed, I would definitely listen to your future talks!), Sabrie, Aanatha and JFK. They're all really entertaining and some educational speeches. Niki talked about the education system, Navin talked about recycling business, Sabrie talked about politics. I talked to Navin after that and he shared about the difference between profit and social businesses. He's got a lot of insight to share:D

TEDxYouth@KL Speakers. 

Picture from Prashun Kumar, Organizer:)

Most importantly, I'd like to say that I am so immensely thankful to be surrounded by people who care about me. The night and also the morning of the event, I had people messaging me and wishing me all the best:) I wish I can name them all here but not too sure if they would like to be mentioned:P But you all know who you are:) I would like to personally thank each and everyone of you; if you didn't receive a reply, please forgive me because my mind was elsewhere. But do know that I deeply appreciate each and every one of them :) They were my source of strength.

Among the inspirational: "Don't be afraid if you're going to fall because even if you did, then it will only make you go nowhere else but up. So, just be inspiring the way you are Alia Nadhirah." I got a delightful message on my way to the event "We came to support you, aliaXD" so I knew my classmates were coming:D Sangat sangat sangat terharu to see Najwa, Evieygaliasyg, Mira, Syuk and Cukie. Also to the people who wanted to be there but couldn't (yes, I got your message, aki). You guys are the best:) Thanks also Hafiz and Hamzah, and also it's a pleasure meeting you, Azim :) All your presence speak volumes.

Certificate of Appreciation from organizer Prashun Kumar

Also, met someone who came to me after the event to personally congratulate me and ask me more. He happened to be a friend of a friend (who couldn't be there because he had to attend his graduation). Again, a pleasure and DEFINITELY a surprise.

Special thanks to Ummi Ayah and my greatest supporters; my brothers. When I thanked them, they said, "Of course, Kak Alia, how can we not be there?"

Looking forward to future youth programs and be inspired by all these amazing people :)