For my freshman English class, we were all instructed to present a speech about us- using 3 objects that define who we are. Below I have included my speech outline!

Hannah Vander Top

Mrs. Duitsman

Your class:  English 1 Block 3

Date:  8/16/19

Introductory Speech 

        What does a rubber spatula, family photo, and a one dollar chalkboard have in common with each other? My name is Hannah Vander Top, and I aim to tell you a little more about myself with the help of some of the most important objects in my life. Today I brought my favorite utensil, a family photo, and a chalkboard from the dollar aisle at Target to share with you, and why they make me who I am today. 

        For my first object, I brought, and obscure as this may sound, my favorite Rubber Spatula. This rubber spatula is actually important to me for two important reasons. I don’t know if you know this about me, but one of my favorite ways to spend my free time is by baking. I especially love to make recipes from my great-grandma, who immigrated in the early 1940s from the Netherlands, just before the Nazi’s conquered Holland. However, the reason I selected this spatula is not to talk about my hobby, all thought that was a slight factor, it is moreover to talk about who in particular gave it to me.   

        When I was in sixth and seventh grade we had a little boy who via foster care, was living in our house for over two years, then suddenly he left, and we haven’t seen him since. His name was Alfonso, and before he had left, he had given me a Christmas Present- this spatula. So now, whenever I bake with it, I always remember who gave it to me that Christmas Eve, and all the things that he taught me; such as forgiveness and resilience in the face of trouble.

       Another one of those things that Alfonso taught me was how precious family really is- and how quickly it can dissipate. Princess Diana once said, “Family is the most important thing in the world,” and I couldn’t agree more, and so for my speech, my second item is a picture of the people that matter the most to me, my family. 

        So, if you have ever seen a pottery wheel, you know that a potter sits behind it, and with his or her hands, molds this wet piece of clay into something absolutely gorgeous- thanks to their hands, they shaped that clay into something completely different. I like to think that when God puts us into a family, we are like that clay, formless, shapeless, and with little identity. Our family gives us ethics, manners, and in many cases the opinions that make us, and me-me. My family has always been there for me, through the thick and then, and I may not always like them, I will always love them.

    An important thing that my parents taught me was how important my faith in Christ was, and for my final object, I brought something that represents that. When you walk into my room, on the shelf over my bed, you will see this- a one-dollar chalkboard from Target- that has become priceless to me.  On this chalkboard, I wrote my favorite Bible Verse, from my favorite Bible story- Esther 4:14 which reads, “Perhaps this is the moment that you have been created for.” This verse, and Esther, in general, represents something that is really hard for me- courage and bravery. Sometimes it can be really easy for me to fade into the background and just count the days till summer break comes and I can leave. However, when this is the first thing I see every morning, it truly is a great way to see the day.  

    Thank you for listening to my speech. I hope that through my three objects you learned a little bit more about me, and why I am who I am today.