Elliot Sylvester is being recognized as a Dauntless Spellebrity in I-ASC’s Spellebration. I had the pleasure of speaking with Elliot and experiencing his “kind energy in an uproarious package” firsthand. I must say that his kindness and joy struck me most. I hope you enjoy getting to know Elliot as much as I did.
~ Monica
Elliot, a white tall young man is in a grey t-shirt with his hands tucked into his pant pockets. He is smiling. The sun is coming through a tree in the background to his left.Tell me something that you’d like me to know about you.
I’m so stoked right now to be interviewed. I never thought I’d ever learn this method but here I go being recognized for my accomplishments.
You were nominated and selected as a spellebrity in the category of Dauntless which represents spellers nominated for perseverance, resilience, big gains in motor control/skills, and tenacity. What makes you think this category is fitting for you?
Elliot is standing in a navy suit on a walkway in front of a garden. He has sunglasses on and his hands are tucked into his pant pockets.The fact that every time I speak my words have a mind of their own creates unending loops I try to break. My resiliency gives the fight the good odds. As I’ve practiced more purposeful motor exercises off the boards, I’ve tried to use the same strategies to lower my volume. Someday maybe my speech will be under my control too.
What song lifts you up (figuratively and literally)?
Right Round by Flo Rida (featuring Kesha)
What are you proudest of?
Truthfully there are three things:
- Learning to type
- Loving with all my soul
- I golf!
Elliot is standing on a golf green by the flag, smiling with his thumb up. He is wearing a blue baseball cap, a navy hoodie and grey shorts.Imagine a map of the world. Where does your mind’s eye land and why?
Sedona Arizona so I can experience the energy.
What is the biggest unsung contribution you think spellers bring to the world? Tell us about it.
Spellers practice thought-making far more than speakers do. This translates into listening more. The world could stand to have a few less people talking.
It is a huge honour to interview you. If you could interview someone you look up to, who would it be?
I would like to interview a fellow speller, Ido Kedar.
What is bringing you life and joy these days?
My family means the surrounding souls in my universe and they bring me nothing but joy.
Elliot is sipping out of a mug that reads “be the change you want to see in the world…”. He is on a couch.Elliot Sylvester is an unreliable speaker, listener, thought-maker and golfer. He lives in Fallbrook California with his family and continues to hone his spelling and purposeful motor at Transcending Autism & Apraxia.
