Personal Story
My Story: Overcoming Communication Barriers in School
Growing up, I was always aware that my hearing loss set me apart in school, but it really hit me when I entered high school. It wasn’t that I couldn’t keep up with the material; it was the group conversations that made me feel isolated. When everyone else was laughing at a joke or talking over each other, I’d miss parts and feel left out. I remember how frustrating it was to constantly ask people to repeat themselves, but I learned that it was essential for me to advocate for myself. By speaking to teachers about seating arrangements and educating my friends on how to communicate more clearly with me, I created an environment where I could thrive. It wasn’t easy at first, but as I developed these strategies, I found myself feeling more included and confident. My experience shaped my ability to build connections, and it’s part of the reason why I want to help others do the same.How My Family and I Navigated Hearing Loss Together
I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive family from the beginning of my hearing loss journey. My parents, siblings, and I all worked together to find ways to make our home an inclusive environment. Early on, my parents made sure that we had easy communication and made accommodations when necessary. While it was sometimes frustrating to miss out on parts of conversations during family gatherings or movie nights, my family was always patient and found ways to help me feel included. My mom often repeated things or would summarize conversations to make sure I understood everything. These moments shaped our family dynamic and made us closer. We all adapted together, and it made a huge difference in how I faced the world outside of home, knowing that I had their support no matter what.
Setbacks and Success Stories
Setback: Struggling in Group Activities
In high school, I joined a few clubs and group activities, excited to get involved. But it wasn’t long before I realized how tough it was to fully participate in group conversations. During discussions or brainstorming sessions, I’d often miss key points because people would talk over each other, and I couldn’t follow everything that was being said. At first, I was discouraged and thought about quitting, feeling like I wasn’t contributing as much as I wanted to. But instead of backing out, I decided to approach the situation differently. I spoke to the group leaders and suggested ways to communicate more effectively—like taking turns when speaking and using more visual cues. It wasn’t a perfect fix, but these changes made a big difference and allowed me to stay involved. That experience taught me how important it is to advocate for my needs and gave me the confidence to speak up in other areas of life.
Success Story: Public Speaking and Advocating for Myself
Public speaking was something I always thought would be difficult because of my hearing loss. The idea of standing in front of a crowd, trying to follow audience reactions, and responding to questions seemed overwhelming. But during my junior year, I had an opportunity to sit on a panel at a hearing loss event. I was nervous but knew that this was my chance to share my story and help others like me. The more I spoke, the more comfortable I became. I realized that my experience gave me a unique voice and that people wanted to hear what I had to say. Since then, I’ve spoken to other groups, sharing my story, giving advice, and advocating for better resources. This success showed me that my hearing loss doesn’t have to hold me back—it can be a source of strength and empowerment.