Theme: Expression

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Thousand Oaks High School Performing Arts Center
2381 N Moorpark Rd
Thousand Oaks, California, 91360
United States

Adam Zilberman

Student - Westlake High School

From Baroque to Basie, Adam Zilberman has always been in love with music. Now a senior at Westlake High School, he finds solace in creating all types of music, the foremost jazz. He takes expressing himself through art very seriously, playing in ensembles as lead saxophone in the Westlake Studio Jazz Band, clarinet in the Wind Orchestra, and jazz baritone saxophonist at the Colburn School. Adam enjoys teaching middle school students saxophone and clarinet at Colina, the place where he was first touched by music. You can find Adam with his friends on road trips and bike rides through the mountains. Adam is active in nationally esteemed ensembles such as the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, California All-State Jazz Band, and the YoungArts Jazz and Music Center Spotlight competitions as a semifinalist. He will be studying music in college and hopes to impact others through performing and teaching music.

Gokul Sriram

Student - Westlake High School

Gokul Sriram is a junior at Westlake High School. Born into a family of musicians, music has always been a part of Gokul’s life. He currently plays Carnatic and western violin and loves composing orchestral music. His favorite subjects are physics and computer science, particularly game design. Gokul wants to pursue careers in both music and computer science. He can often be found coding or composing music in his free time, as well as playing video games, biking, playing tennis, and cooking.

Jay Johnson

Student - Thousand Oaks High School

Jay Johnson is a junior at Thousand Oaks High School. Born in the beautiful city of Burbank, she moved to the small town of Monte Vista, Colorado for several years before returning to Southern California. Following the death of her mother, it's been her and her father against the world even when they felt the world was against them. While her father may believe she is hard headed and full of attitude, others have described her as intelligent, determined, outgoing, fashionable, humorous, reliable, and bold. A lifelong enjoyer of sports, Jay continues to participate in a variety of athletic activities. The process of developing this talk has involved Jay expressing her thoughts about her identity not only to others but to herself.

Matthew Zhang

Student - Westlake High School

Matthew Zhang has always been interested in STEM, whether he’s solving challenging math problems or writing a research paper on game theory. Currently a sophomore at Westlake High School, he enjoys participating in the American Math Competition, for which he has received the honor roll award, and the National Chemistry Olympiad. As the Vice President of the Mu Alpha Theta math club and a tutor for Westlake High and CVUSD, he seeks to spread his love for math and science to others. He loves sports and plays tennis and basketball, as well as music and playing violin. He is currently studying violin at the Colburn Music School with the goal to use his knowledge of music and STEM to help people.

Micah Snodgrass

Student - Newbury Park High School

Until the age of five, Micah Snodgrass could not speak, only able to communicate nonverbally and express themselves through art. Now a junior at Newbury Park High School, Micah has found their voice after years of therapy, using both art and poetry to find solace in their emotions. They have become active in their community as the Service Coordinator for Division 42 East for Key Club and the president of the NPHS GSA, where they work with CVUSD’s LGBTQ+ Diversity Training and Inclusion Board. They hope that by sharing their experiences, they can help give a voice to others that are unable to express themselves.

Terme Arjomand

Student - Westlake High School

My Parents Named Me Tablecloth Terme Arjomand was six years old, entering kindergarten, when she heard her name pronounced incorrectly for the first time. Having been surrounded by other Iranians until that point, she didn't even realize that the word her teacher was saying was supposed to be her name until she was almost marked absent. This was the first of many mispronunciations that Terme, now a junior at Westlake High School, would hear. Terme enjoys reading, creating calligraphy, playing soccer, and promoting student advocacy in her free time. An aspiring physician, she plans to go into the medical field in the future, looking to inspire others as doctors have always inspired her. Terme would like to thank her family: Mom, Dad, Kasra and Nana for always pushing her to combine the culture of her heritage with the goals of her future.

Yushan Yan

Student - Newbury Park High School

Yushan Yan is a freshman at Newbury Park High School with a special love for mathematics. As a proud member of Newbury Park High School’s Mu Alpha Theta math club, Yushan believes that nothing is as satisfying as solving a difficult problem. Every Thursday, Yushan volunteers at Sycamore Canyon Middle School’s MathCounts club to teach younger students the fundamentals of competition math. She loves all classes related to STEM and plans to pursue her dreams of becoming an engineer or scientist. Yushan is grateful for all the support she has received from teachers, friends, and family.