FHC Inspires 2023 Q&As: Autumn Vansolkema
Position: Speaker
Title: “The Impact of Handwritten Letters”
Why did you apply to be a speaker?
“I don’t like public speaking, but I think that would be a really cool experience, and I think it was more fun to write the talk [since] you were talking to adults instead of kids. I think my talk is decent, and it can inspire people to write and change lives because writing my letters has gained some of my closest relationships.”
How are you feeling about speaking at FHC Inspires?
“[I’m going] last, so I’m really scared because I have to close the whole show.”
What was the process of perfecting your speech?
“I typed up a little script, so I know what I’m going to say. Then, [I] read it over and over again in [my] head, and then I slowly start to do it with [my] slides and get to practice, get more comfortable with it, and start adding inflection and gestures.”
What does your message mean to you, and what should it mean to the audience?
“Now, a lot of people are texting and emailing, which is fine, but if you take the time to write a handwritten letter, you’ll feel so much love, gratitude, and appreciation for the person, and they’ll feel the same [because] you thought of them like that. So, my goal is [to inspire] people can start writing letters again.”
Did you ever see yourself speaking at FHC Inspires?
“When he said ‘TED Talks’ and showed us, I’m like, ‘I’m not doing that.’ But then, here I am.”
Does your Google slide presentation reflect your topic?
“The background is nice lined paper, and it’s blue and matches my dress. The background is the color of what I’m wearing, and it shows the topic with the lines.”
What’s the best time of day and why?
“Golden hour because it’s starting to cool down. So, in the summer, it’s not insanely hot. It’s just getting a little bit cooler and still warm, and then the lighting is so pretty. When [the] sun sets, that time of day is so pretty.”
What’s something you can’t live without?
“Music, family, and friends. Music just makes life so much happier. Belting or dancing to a song is really fun. And then, [for] your family, you need good people in your life to make you thrive.”
Honorable Mention interview: Kade Shomin
Kade Shomin
All-Conference Honorable Mention
Grade: Senior
Position: Cornerback
Who has helped you improve this season and what kind of impact have you made on this team?
This season has been my best season yet, due to our great coaching staff and teammates around me. They make it fun to practice and teach us skills that will help us do better on our game days. I’ve had multiple picks and scored on multiple occasions, along with a fair share of tackles to contribute to this team’s success.
What kind of mindset do you bring into the game on defense?
The mindset that I bring to the table is one that I just won’t lose and I know that the guys don’t want to lose around me either. This helps me get in a zone and put myself in situations that will help us win and I capitalize on them.
What is your favorite memory from this year?
My favorite memory is beating Mona Shores who was such a great football team.
What are you going to take away from this season?
I’m going to take away that working hard, both individually and as a team is definitely worth it and it pays out in the end. I’m also going to take away that no matter how awful something is, like going to practice everyday, if you embrace the suck, it will only make you better.
What are you looking forward to this weekend and the last couple days of your season?
In our last game(s), I am extremely excited to hopefully make it to the state championship, and even better go and win it. I also want to leave everything out on the field for these last couple games.