Think Again: From D's to Done | Cai Aiden | TEDxNACIS Shanghai Youth

Aiden shares a personal story about moving from a life entirely in English to China at age eight, despite being fluent in both languages. His world was initially shaken, as he felt unprepared for the shift to a Chinese-speaking environment in school and everyday life. The future seemed like a locked door, leaving him feeling powerless. Upon arriving in China on April 17th, 2022, Aiden began the grueling process of learning Chinese, memorizing characters, poems, and grammar. A year later, his grades were still D's, and the challenges persisted, making the door seem even tighter. However, he gradually adopted a new approach, focusing on small wins. After another year, things began to improve. His grades rose from D's to C's and then to B's, and he started to grasp the language. He realized that moving to China wasn't a locked door but an opportunity for a new perspective, an invitation to embrace a culture that was both familiar and new. Aiden, the boy in the story, reflects on his initial struggles in China, acknowledging the help he received from family and friends to persevere. He emphasizes that what seems impossible often isn't, and a new perspective can unlock seemingly insurmountable challenges. He encourages listeners to approach their own "locked doors"—whether a new language, a difficult class, or an unexpected move—by seeking a new way to see them. The journey begins with a shift in view, from "I can't" to "I am," and from impossible to done, proving that a new perspective turns the lock.