FHC Inspires Q&As 2022: Molly O’Meara

Name: Molly O’Meara

Position: Speaker

TED Talk Title: Why everyone should learn ASL

Why did you apply to be a speaker?

“I wanted to share my cousin’s story. He is mute, and not many people think that he is smart. I want to tell people that he doesn’t need to be able to speak to be smart.”

How are you feeling about speaking at FHC Inspires?

“I am a little nervous to do [FHC] Inspires, but I am super excited.”

What was the process of picking the perfect TedTalk topic?

“At first, I wanted to do something about a condition, Hypoglycemia, but then my mom mentioned ASL, and I thought that it would be special. I may impact at least one person.”

What does your message mean to you?

“This topic means a lot to me because it is my cousin’s language, and ASL has helped with my anxiety. ”

Who is your target audience?

“My target audience [is] adults and parents.”

Did you ever see yourself speaking at FHC Inspires?

“Since my older brother, [alumnus] Aidan O’Meara, was in FHC Inspires, I wanted to do it. I love talking in front of people.”

What are you doing to prepare for the big night?

“I keep going through my presentation and keep on working to make it better for the audience that I am targeting. I am also trying to do different things from my first TED Talk.”

How does your Google Slide presentation reflect your topic? 

“My presentation shows my little cousin and my extended family. It shows who I am talking about.”

What’s a mobile game you’re currently hooked on?

“I am obsessed with Clash of Clans currently.”