FHC Inspires Q&As: Ellie McDowell

Speaker: Ellie McDowell

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

“I’m super excited about my TED Talk being picked. I think it’s important for people to hear, and I’m hoping it will change some lives.”

What is a quick description of your TED Talk?

“My TED Talk is about how I found myself through band and how it’s important for people to find themselves.”

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

“Yeah, public speaking definitely freaks me out. I have some crazy social anxiety, but this project has made it easier. I find that talking about something I’m passionate about almost cancels out the anxiety.”

Who are you giving this TED Talk for and why?

“I’m giving this talk for myself and the audience, but also I mention one of my drum majors, [senior] Linus Kaechele, who has really inspired me, and I think it’s partially for him too.”

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

“I hope people will realize that being you is important, and to do that, you need to find yourself and your passion.”

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

“I’m really excited to hear Paige Fron’s TED Talk, I heard her intro, and it sounded like it’s going to be a really informative and impactful presentation.”

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

“I think my talk would be red or yellow. I view red as passion and love, and that’s really what band is to me, and then yellow I view as happiness and warmth, and that’s what I get from band.”

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

“My Google Slides are mostly pictures from band camp and the marching season, and I think it shows just how much band really means to me.”