Tatiana was enrolled in a course at UF on Speech Presentations and her first presentation was on the topic "How I am Seen". Below is Tatiana's outline for her presentation. She also presented four objects to create visual impact.

How I am Seen

My four objects, I feel describe me perfectly and each one pertains to a different aspect of my life; each being equally important and significant.

1. How I see myself (open book)

I see myself as an open book.

  • For the most part, I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve. I have a very expressive face and a very expressive mouth as well!
  • I love to share my thoughts and ideas with people, no matter how off-beat they might be.
  • I am constantly taking in things, as much as I am giving out. Every time I am opened to a new experience I take in and learn as much as I can from it.
  • Also reading was a big part of my life growing up, and influences me greatly.
  • My mom used to make me read (3) chapter books a week, so that averages about 900-1000 pages EACH!
  • Reading so much helped me learn how to relate to other people, put myself in their shoes, and also how to apply my imagination in all situations from school to leisure.
  • I choose a book because it can encompass so many different things. Also because everyone who reads it takes something different from it, and everyone can find someway to relate, and I think I am like that, very versatile and easy to relate to.
  • Globe - I love to travel, I have visited about 11 countries outside of the U.S. and plan to see more; Jamaican Flag - huge part of my life; Clock - I have time issues, I blame my Caribbean Heritage; Ballet slippers, Music note - I dance, I sing, I play piano; I am also a poet at heart.

2. How others see me (Modeling Agency Comp card)

I chose to use my Comp Card because I think it sums others first impression of me.

  • When I asked people I know or meet for the first time in retrospect they always say that initially they thought that I COULD be conceited of MIGHT think highly of myself.
  • Three pageants and lots of modeling.
  • I am always on the move, kind-of all over the place at times.
  • Some people may look at me and assume that because I do all of these things I may be conceited or have a high opinion of myself, but its all in fun.
  • I am also very silly and love to make fun of myself and be a kid.

3. How I don't want to be seen (Barbie doll)

I choose a Barbie doll because this was something I struggled with growing up. And it's ironic that I model now and do something so focused on looks, but I don't want to be seen as a Barbie.

  • Someone who is very plastic and shallow and superficially obsessed.
  • Growing up I was always compared to my older cousin, who is incredibly smart, she placed first in three subjects in the entire country of Jamaica and she is now graduating from a New York Advertising school, where she is ranked in the top three, and growing up I was always just pretty, like a doll and not much else.
  • I want people to know that there is more to me than just my outside, and that I am very intelligent and a slightly off-beat but very poetic and inspired thinker.

4. How I want to be seen in the future... (The Power of One)

I want to be seen this way for many reasons:

  • Ultimately this is my favorite book of all times, I would like to be seen as it for many reasons, aside from that books symbolize intelligence, the main character's story symbolizes so much more.
  • The main character starts out with nothing, and fights his whole life mentally, intellectually and physically until he reaches his goal, and ultimately lands on top.
  • This book epitomizes my idea of success.
  • I would like to know that if and when I am ever faced with adversity or doubt I can work hard and keep faith and confidence in myself and overcome all obstacles to reach my goals in life.