FHC Inspires Q&As: Veronica Vincent

How do you feel about your TED Talk being picked for FHC Inspires?

“I was really honored when I found out I was picked for FHC Inspires because this whole experience has been something I’ve been wanting to do for a couple of months now.”

What is a quick description of your TED Talk?

“My TED Talk is all about growing up with anxiety [and it] defining my life. I don’t want my mental illness to define me and you shouldn’t need to feel like you’re weighed down by the inconveniences of your day either.”

Does public speaking make you nervous? How has this project improved your skills?

“Public speaking doesn’t make me nervous at all; I actually signed up for FHC Inspires because I love getting in front of a crowd. My entire TED Talk experience has made me more open to other ideas. Listening to everyone else’s Talks has helped me to realize how much other people’s lives are impacted by problems I might encounter as well.”

Who are you giving this TED Talk for and why?

“I’m not going to lie, I’m giving this Talk more for myself than anyone else. While I hope I can touch everyone’s heart, I mainly want to prove to the little girl that I once was, that I can work past my anxiety.”

What do you hope people will take away from your Talk?

“It doesn’t matter how big or small your problems are; not only are they valid, they also don’t need to define you as a person. Your fight and your story is what really matters, not what you’re fighting against.”

Who’s TED Talk are you excited to hear live?

“I am so excited to hear Ava Redmond’s TED Talk live. She’s talking about gender stereotypes and when she gave it for our tenth-grade class, I gave her a standing ovation because it was the most impactful Talk I have ever heard.”

If your presentation was a color, what would it be and why?

“If my presentation was a color, it would be plum. I think my TED Talk has some sad, darker elements to it, but also [some] happy, colorful hopes and goals by the end. I think the different shades of purple would match my Talk perfectly for so many different reasons—come and see my Talk live to see exactly what I mean.”

How does the layout of your Google Slides portray your personality and the topic of your Talk?

“On all of my slides, I have pictures of myself; I’m not going to lie, I’m slightly narcissistic, so it’s not surprising that my face will be plastered across a huge screen for all to see. All jokes aside, I really love telling stories, so being able to portray my life through images that I can reminisce on is really amazing.”