FHC Inspires Q&As 2022: Emalea Rooke
Name: Emalea Rooke
Position: Speaker
TED Talk Title: Embracing Balance
Why did you apply to be a speaker?
“I applied to be a speaker because I wanted to be able to experience everything FHC Inspires comes with. I want to be a part of something big that could cause a big change in someone’s life. On top of that, being able to work with like-minded people that also want to influence the community was a big appeal for me.”
How are you feeling about speaking at FHC Inspires?
“I am feeling nervous, thrilled, and honored. I’m nervous about the scale of the audience and messing up during my presentation, yet I am thrilled for the same reason—I am going to present my ideas on a stage in front of more than a hundred people! I am honored to be given this opportunity and make a change in someone’s life.”
What was the process of picking the perfect TED Talk topic?
“The process of picking the perfect TED Talk topic was an extended one. I had ideas all the way from how to grocery shop to why we are living pretend lives. Honestly, my current topic was the fifth one I came up with. I kept struggling to really connect with any of my ideas, so I asked my mom for help and she said, ‘Well, what are you really passionate about?’ This seemed like a ridiculous question to me. I had already been searching and thinking of this exact thing. However, something about her saying it was able to spark the idea that I have now—balance.”
What does your message mean to you?
“My message means a lot to me. I believe it’s something everyone should take and apply to their lives. My topic is about embracing every part of yourself, not just the parts you want to pick and choose, and I know that could influence society for the better if it was applied.”
Who is your target audience?
“My target audience is everyone. Everyone can benefit from hearing my TED Talk. Though younger children may find it harder to grasp, I am hoping that parents do understand my message [and] will further it while raising their children.”
Did you ever see yourself speaking at FHC Inspires?
“Honestly, no. Choosing to apply was a last-minute impulse decision. But, I felt a spark and went with it, and I could never be happier for giving in to an impulse decision.”
What are you doing to prepare for the big night?
“I’m going to eat well, sleep well, maybe meditate… Anything I can do to calm my mind! I will also practice my presentation for the last time before [FHC] Inspires.”
How does your Google Slide presentation reflect your topic?
“My Google Slide presentation was created to assist my topic with visuals. I reference these visuals multiple times in my presentation, in order to help the audience connect to what I am saying better.”
What’s a mobile game you’re currently hooked on?
“Definitely Genshin Impact—I play on my tablet. It is so fun, and I love the different environments in the game. I’ve only been playing for a few weeks and I’m already at rank 33!”