EVA LANGELOTTI X FACTOR PECHA KUCHA SPEECH ON PASSION

(1) Who are we as humans? The center of the universe? No The center of our galaxy? Not quite But, are we the center of our own earth? So many humans would argue yes to my last question, but my answer is no. I believe that we as humans are nothing more than animal. (2) As creatures of Earth we hold a responsibility to feed more than our stomachs. We deserve to feed our brains with knowledge of all kinds of living things, memories of unbelievable experiences, and to provide ourselves with depth. I dont just want to survive, I want to live. (3) I am passionate about life. But this goes beyond my own life. I want to bring as much life into this world that I can. I want to show each and every one of you what you can do to save your life, the life of your earth, and the lives of others. What you can do, to save the lives of all that exists. (!!) (4) Animals. There are 8.74 million species of animals on our globe, and that is Earth alone. Our world contains over seven billion people in hundreds of countries, with thousands of languages and cultures, and an unreal amount of things to learn. Why should anyone believe humans are the center of it all? (!!) (5) Heres what I believe. We are not the center, we are not dominant, and there is no person who has earned the right to believe these things. Yet day after day, the human species consumes, wears, and recreationally kills countless animals without a second thought. (---) (6) Why is it okay to take away life this way? We dont need to kill in order to live. Not only am I passionate about how the killing makes me feel, but I am passionate about sharing what I believe. A life of a person unheard is no life at all. So I stand here for the lives of those who cant speak. (7) So when others look down upon me as I stand up for what I believe in, it only makes me feel more alive. I wouldnt be doing anything right if everyone agreed with what I had to say, would I? I want to learn how everyone thinks, and feels- and I want others to hear my voice as well.

(8) The last sentence of my college application essay was, Whether its spoken or written down, I do believe that one day the whole world will hear my voice. I cant imagine seeing

anything be slaughtered the way these animals are, and going through life without speaking how I feel. That wouldnt be life at all. (---) (9) Through our school, I have been a member of the environmental awareness club that has gone by the name of peace club for many years. I wish I could rename it to be called something along the lines of life activists, because thats what were all about. We learn and teach about life. (----) (10) Everything that peace club does focuses on the support, upbringing, and the love of life. We meet weekly to pick up trash and sort through recycling to help the life of our earth to thrive. We introduce organic foods in order to bring awareness to food options that dont support factory farm killing. (----) (11) Peace club has fed my passion for life further than I believed it could have. Not only have I learned things that Ill carry through life, but I truly believe this club has been one of the best influences in our entire school. We speak for what we believe, and what we believe is derived from our love of life. (12) Mrs. Bolte, an Ap Environmental teacher, the sponsor of Peace club, and one of the best teachers Ive ever had is truly an inspiration to me. Mrs. Bolte stands strong for all that she believes, in ways that can be compared to some of the most well known activists to walk our world. (-) (13) I want to live my life the way she does. In a way that most every well documented leader has lived. I want to be heard. Martin Luther King isnt written about in books for his sense of style or grades in school. He is remembered for making his voice heard no matter whom there was to disagree.

(14) What is a leader who does not stand up for what he feels. What is a leader without a voice. What is a leader without different ideas, without followers who disagree with him. That leader doesnt exist. One cannot lead without a passion for his ideas, without a passion for life. (------) (15) Voltaire, one of the most famous leaders in history, is well known for his influence in the French enlightenment and his belief in freedom of different ideas. He said, stand upright, speak thy thoughts, declare the truth thou hast, that all may share; be bold, proclaim it everywhere; they only live who dare do this. (!!!)

(16) They only live who dare do this. What does that mean? What is he saying? Speak thy thoughts, that all may share, proclaim it everywhere. Dare do this, and youll be living. Well, hes got a point. Be bold. Be passionate. Be alive. This is what makes a true leader. (17) Most of you know the quote by Mahatma Gandhi, another highly influential leader, be the change you wish to see in the world. That one speaks for itself. But how many have you heard, If youre right and you know it, speak your mind. Speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth. (!!!) (18) Speak your mind, speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one. The way this man lived his life is so inspiring. It was a message to everyone on how to really live. Another quote of his was the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated, but I wont get into that one. (19) My senior quote was Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Not to sound clich, but this is my motto. These are the words that come to mind nearly every day through my decision-making. The taking away of 150 billion animal lives each year matters to me, and Ill be loud about it.

(---) (20) This is my life. I am so passionate about making it one worth living, for myself and for those around me. I want each day to be a lesson learned and a lesson taught for all that I am capable of. It cant be a coincidence that the derivative of my name means maker of life.