My Journey As A Deaf Person

Most of you know I'm Deaf and some of you don't. I'm curious what's your first thought when you hear a person who's Deaf?

"Ew", "Oh I'm sorry", "but you don't look Deaf", "Really? Can you hear me?", "but you talk so good", blah blah blah... Those were some comments or questions I received growing up. It's annoying but it was my place to educate others about my Deafness. Educate, Educate, Educate so people can understand I'm no different from them. I can play, I can walk, I can see, I can work, I can do a lot of things except just hear.

I was diagnosed with Deafness at the age of 3. My grandmother was the first person who noticed there was something going on with me. One day, I woke up from a nap and my grandmother walked to the room and saw me drinking my bottle looking outside the window. She called my name started to become puzzled and a little worried. She called my name again and clapped. I never turned and just kept drinking my bottle looking at the beautiful scenery outside. She decided to stomp on the floor and my face turned and I immediately smiled at my maw-maw. She looked at me like she's a little worried. She walked back to to the living room, sat down on her big recliner, picked up her house phone and immediately called my mother... and the rest is history.

My parents were devastated when they found out from the doctor that I am diagnosed with Deafness. They had to sell some of their own personal belongings just to get me hearing aids. Even my dad sold some of his guns just to support me. I'm very fortunate to have parents who won't give up, always trying to make sure I get what I need to succeed when I was growing up. I was placed in a mainstream school that offers Deaf and Hard of Hearing program growing up. I remember I had to ride in a little school bus and I used to be embarrassed all the time because I wanted to ride in the "big bus" to be with other "normal" kids. A lot of kids thinks little bus are for kids who are not "normal". Yet I was still riding in the little school bus until I went in high school.

Around the age of 7 if I'm correct, I remember very clear I was sitting in the car and my mom was driving. She looked at me and asked me if I wanted to go to a Deaf School. I asked her what is it like? She gave me all the information about the school, where it's at and told me I stay there during the week and come home on the weekends. I immediately said "NO" because I didn't want to leave my mom. Family was and is a big thing to me. I love my family and I cannot imagine my life without them. Today, looking back I did wish I went to North Carolina School for the Deaf because I lacked the socialization I needed with my Deaf community. Again, I was too young and didn't know. I wasn't exposed often to actually understand my people. My family and I lived in a small town and there was only a few Deaf people who lives in my area. However, I'm very proud of my mom still doing what's best for me back then. Otherwise, I wouldn't be where I am now.

I'm sure kids used to bully me behind my back. I usually brush it off. I didn't care because I knew I couldn't hear what they were saying. I think it was a good thing that I didn't hear. Luckily, I never had an experience where kids would push me and say mean things in front of my face. Trust me, I've heard some of my Deaf friend's experience and it happens everywhere. Bully happens. I hate it. I'm a teacher and I even seen some of my own students experienced with bullying- I do not allow that kind of behavior in my classroom. Bullying does happen to Deaf people but it actually happens to people all over. We need to unite together and educate the importance of respect, acceptance and appreciation.

Over the years, my hearing started to deteriorate. My mother was started to get worried but I didn't care because I was young and didn't think it was a big deal. My mother decided to take me to get my hearing checked out. Sure enough, it was getting worse. I'm profoundly Deaf in my left ear and severe in my right. My doctor recommended me to get a Cochlear Implant in my right ear. I was terrified because all I was worried was the fact they will cut my skin (it's a surgical procedure). My whole family came to me and said I should and of course they wanted what's best for me. I went ahead and got one at the age of 13. I don't regret getting it because I enjoy listening to music, I enjoyed being able to hear what others are saying. However, I didn't like the fact I get headaches when my brain overwork from trying to understand what's going on. My Cochlear Implant procedure was a success where some others failed. Cochlear Implant is NOT a cure. It's just a TOOL. People don't realize a device will not always be effective for everyone. I guess I'm just one of those lucky ones who can hear well with a Cochlear Implant.

I wanted to be a cheerleader so bad when I was in middle school. I went to basketball and football cheerleading tryout 6th & 7th grade. I didn't make it. I was sad. Yet, I persisted because I didn't want to give up. I wanted to show my school's cheerleader coach and judges I can do it and I won't let my Deafness get in the way. Right after I received my Cochlear Implant, I decided to tryout for 8th grade football cheerleading. After the tryout on the 3rd or 4th day, I hopped in my mom's vehicle when she picked me up and pulled up to see the cheerleading coach because she gives us a note if we made the team. She handed me the note and said congratulation. I opened the formal note and it stated I made the squad. I was so thrilled and screamed so hard "I finally made it!"

However... Years later, I looked back and always wonder ..What if I never got my Cochlear Implant? Would I make the squad or not? This question will always be in my head and I will never know. I am happy where I am and it's part of my journey and everything we do in our journey is a learning experience.

I graduated high school, went in college and got my degree in Human and Community Service. I'm not going to detail more information about my experience in college because that's a whole another post about this. It was not easy. I've experienced struggles through out college as well but I made it and graduated with a degree. After I graduated, I was excited to start looking for a job. I applied to so many jobs and still haven't found a job relating to my field. I was getting frustrated. Every time I contact to follow up about my application status, they already found someone or my application could be denied. I was getting more anxious and trying to figure out with my future. I didn't want to live in my parent's house for the rest of my life! I went through a lot of anxiety and some depression during this phase. About 2 years later, my friend and I applied for a job in Indiana at a mental health agency that serves and work with Deaf individuals, I was immediately hired. I was so happy because it took me so long to find a job. Newsflash.. Deaf people struggles finding a job because not many places want to hire a Deaf person that requires them to do additional work such as getting an interpreter, having to learn our language, communicate with us or whatever excuses they may have. It is tough. I moved to Indiana and started a new journey and my soul started to bloom. I was getting happier, started to figure out who I am and getting more involved with my Deaf community that I was missing out through out my life. Of course you might be wondering what happened next? Get to know me and you'll find out.

So to my Deaf folks, what was your journey as a Deaf person? What was your struggles and success? What was your experience in school growing up? I want to hear more from you.

Much love,