Melinda Deng has always been surrounded by the arts. In particular, she enjoys various speech events, with International Extemporaneous speaking being her main event, and having also participated in other events such as Impromptu Speaking and Declamation. She is so interested in public speaking events because they allow her to express her own beliefs while also teaching others. Aside from speech and debate, Melinda has played the flute for six years and participates in her school’s selective Wind Ensemble every year. In her free time, Melinda enjoys reading fantasy books and biking.