FHC Inspires 2023 Q&As: Gabby Thompson

Position: Speaker

Title: “Unrealistic Expectations”

Why did you apply to be a speaker?

“I really hated public speaking because as a kid, there were some incidents where I was made fun of and all that stuff. So, it really wasn’t like a big thing I wanted to do. And I’m a big talker to people in general, I actually enjoy talking to others, but speaking in front where there are chances of me being judged and all that stuff makes me nervous. I thought it was something completely out of my comfort zone, and I, for some reason, was feeling like I should do something like that.”

How are you feeling about speaking at FHC Inspires?

“I know right now, it’s not really kicking in, but I know as soon as I see people going up there and thinking about my topic, I’m going to be like, ‘I’m going to forget these things,’ and I know as soon as I get up there, it’s not going to be as easy as I feel it’s going to be right now.”

What was the process of perfecting your speech?

“I didn’t go through as many topics, but I went through a lot of different slideshows and ways to think about it, and how I did everything that I did. And then, I took my TED Talk from the assignment that we did here and I switched it into a bigger theme, a bigger blanket, and I’m using that [to connect with] me and the people around me.”

What does your message mean to you, and what should it mean to the audience?

“Mine connects, I feel, to a lot of students and a lot of parents, and especially in this area, I know it’s something I struggle with on a daily basis is perfectionism and all the things that come with it. I think that really connecting all of it and showing [other] people.”

Did you ever see yourself speaking at FHC Inspires? 

“I always saw these people speaking, and I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I could do that, like take that chance.’ But it never really clicked that I could do it, and it’s one of the things I pushed off. I was like, ‘Yeah, I could probably do it,’ so I applied mostly to be a director, and then [it] was like, ‘No, you’re going to speak.’ I was kind of caught by surprise.”

Does your Google slide presentation reflect your topic?

“Mine definitely does because I hate it, and I hate how basic and bland it is. But that’s the thing; perfectionism. I couldn’t decide because none of them felt perfect, so it kind of reflects my the idea [how] I don’t think anything’s perfect.”

What’s the best time of day and why? 

“Nighttime.”

What’s something you can’t live without?

“I think I’d have to say my friends because I feel especially right now, the age that we’re at, there’s a lot going on, and it’s nice to have those people who know what you’re going through and having those people to be able to talk to no matter what it is.”