My topic is “From Stranger to Connected my journey building a tech network at 17.” I will share my experience of how attending tech events helped me step out of my comfort zone, meet new people and build connections that are already shaping my future. I want to inspire other students to see how networking is not just about meeting people but about learning, growing and finding opportunities even when you are just starting out. I will talk about how those first nervous moments turned into confidence and how making real connections can open doors to new possibilities in tech and beyond.