Conversation with Hannah Arduini

Hannah Arduini,13, spent four and a half months researching former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s efforts to pass the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

Last month, Hannah’s 2,498-word paper won her first place in the historical papers category of the Florida History Fair. There were more than 60,000 entries for five categories.

Hannah, who will be a freshman at Braden River High School this fall, will advance to the national competition from June 14 to June 18, in Washington, D.C., where she will present her paper as one of two entries representing Florida in her category for the junior level.

Only 10 entries from the state of Florida (five categories) advance to national competition. 

The magnitude of (the state competition) is amazing to see every county in Florida represented, and to hear my name called for first place was amazing. My teacher, Mr. (Scott) Redmond, was sitting beside me. Being reminded of all his help really made it special. 

My paper is about Eleanor Roosevelt and her legacy of leadership in human rights. I’ve always had an interest in women’s rights and how many women have had an impact on society. Immediately, when I read about her, her passion and dedication inspired me to focus my paper on her. What really caught my attention was that she had a rough childhood — an unloving mother and an alcoholic father — and from that background she still became a compassionate lady who spoke out for the rights of humans.

When I start writing, I just can’t stop. The words come so naturally to me. 

My favorite quote is, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt said that. 

If I could travel back in time, I’d go to the mid-1900s. After World War II, the world knew it had to do something to prevent something like that from happening again. The year of the Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, was the start for equality.

A lot of people, including my friends, don’t realize history influences how we live today. 

My favorite author is W. Bruce Cameron, who wrote one of my favorite books, “A Dog’s Journey.” I like how he told  the story from the perspective of a real dog. The way he writes keeps my attention by including humor and surprises throughout the story.

I want to be an environmental engineer because it combines my passions of both solving environmental problems and being able to use my skills in engineering and science. 

I admire Alice Paul because she stayed strong fighting for women’s suffrage and never backed down. ... She was sent to jail for continually picketing the White House. She still fought and went on a hunger strike to set a precedent that she wasn’t going to give up.

A person in history currently alive that I believe will be remembered most is President Obama because he is the first black president and also because of the enormous controversy  created by many of his decisions and actions, especially in health care and environmental issues.