FHC Inspires Q&As 2022: Sofia Hargis-Acevedo
Name: Sofia Hargis-Acevedo
Position: Speaker
TED Talk Title: How to get over a fear
Why did you apply to be a speaker?
“I applied to FHC Inspires because I decided that I didn’t want to have any regrets when I leave high school. I have never been a huge fan of public speaking, but I went to FHC Inspires last year, and it looked so fun. I didn’t want to not try out and then instantly regret it after watching it in the audience this year.”
How are you feeling about speaking at FHC Inspires?
“I am horrified of public speaking, which is ironic because my TED Talk is about being scared of everything and how to get over your fears. But I am absolutely terrified; it is going to be such a huge crowd.”
What was the process of picking the perfect TedTalk topic?
“I actually thought of my TED Talk topic last year. I was at Qdoba, before going to FHC Inspires last year, and I encountered a bird, which I talk about in my TED Talk. After the incident, [senior] Jessie Warren said that my TED Talk should be about how I am scared of everything, and so my heart was set on it ever since then.”
What does your message mean to you?
“This TED Talk is really personal to me because I am so tired of being scared of everything. I feel like doing this TED Talk put me out of my comfort zone in a way I’d never imagine.”
Who is your target audience?
“Honestly, my target audience is everyone. We are all scared of something, so anyone can apply what I discuss in my TED Talk to their own lives.”
Did you ever see yourself speaking at FHC Inspires?
“Even though I am not a huge public speaker, I have wanted to do it since last year when I went and watched. It seemed like so much fun, and I would love to share a story with anyone who is willing to listen.”
What are you doing to prepare for the big night?
“I feel like I am going to try [to] relax and not overthink everything. Whenever I do overthink things, I end up messing up a lot more, so I am just going to enjoy myself, be in the moment, and clear my mind so that I can be the best that I can.”
How does your Google Slide presentation reflect your topic?
“I show different pictures that relate to different stories, which I think makes the presentation more interesting.”
What’s a mobile game you’re currently hooked on?
“I don’t play very many games, but my friends and I are hooked on GamePigeon right now. I am especially bad at 8 Ball and Cup Pong, so I am really trying to improve my game.”