FHC Inspires Q&As: Ally Werkema
Speaker: Ally Werkema
How do you feel about your TED Talk being picked for FHC Inspires?
“It’s actually really cool. I wasn’t sure in the beginning if I wanted to do the show because it conflicted with volleyball, but in the end, I decided that it was a once in a lifetime experience.”
What is a quick description of your TED Talk?
“My talk is about how you shouldn’t tell someone that they can be anything they want to be when they grow up, [along with] the fact that that statement is said way more often to girls than it is to boys because it is implied that men can be anything.”
Does public speaking make you nervous? How has this project improved your skills?
“Public speaking doesn’t make me nervous. I actually enjoy getting up in front of a crowd and talking. This project has definitely helped me improve my stage movement though.”
Who are you giving this TED Talk for and why?
“I’m giving this TED Talk for myself and every little girl I know that I want to give confidence to. I want them to grow up in a world that has the same type of confidence in everyone.”
What do you hope people will take away from your Talk?
“I don’t think that my TED Talk will change anyone, but I hope that it at least makes them think and reconsider how they are choosing to bolster young girls’ confidence.”
Who’s TED Talk are you excited to hear live?
“I’m excited to hear [sophomore] Kamdyn Hawkins TED Talk live because I also have ADHD, and I would love to hear what he thinks the benefits are.”
If your presentation was a color what would it be and why?
“I think it would be an opal kind of white with other colors reflecting at different angles because it isn’t something that draws a lot of attention. It makes you stop and think for a second.”
How does the layout of your Google Slides portray your personality and the topic of your Talk?
“My layout definitely portrays me. I start with a funny baby picture of me that transitions to me with football pads photoshopped over myself. [As] the presentation goes on, it ends with Susan B Anthony with “girl power” written in pink over her forehead; the hope was to have a slightly comedic effect, but still get my point across.”