“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”
-Scott Hamilton

Of the many quotes I like, this one stands out to me. My name is Brianna and I am hearing impaired. When I tell people, I usually get mixed reactions. Some are shocked. Some are surprised. Some people behave calmly and state that they knew, but didn’t want to ask because it would be rude. I actually laugh because having a disability is not a curse, but rather a blessing in disguise. So I am often asked how it happened and how did I get to where I am.

Originally, I was supposed to be born in September, but I was two weeks late. In addition to being late, my mother felt something was wrong and it turns out that she was right. There was only a quarter of fluid left within the sac, which meant I needed to come out. At first, the doctors said I was a healthy baby. Eventually, my mom had to go to work leaving my grandmother to babysit my older sister and I. While babysitting, my grandmother noticed something different about me. I can remember sitting really close to the TV, which most kids would get scolded about because it could ruin your eyesight. My grandmother told my mom to have me checked out and at 2 and a half years old, I was officially diagnosed with a hearing impairment.

It baffled the doctors as well as my family. How did a healthy child progressively lose her hearing after a short amount of time? After some tests, the doctors found an answer and explained to my mom that my hearing loss was a result of genetics. Everyone has certain biological features that you inherit from your parents, may it be your ears, eyes, or nose. The results of my hearing loss is due to my mom’s genes clashing with my dad’s. The doctors called it “moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss.” To fully understand what it means, HearingLink defines sensorineural hearing loss as “damage to the hair cells in the cochlea (this is the sensory hearing organ) or damage to the neural pathways of hearing (nerves)” (you’d really need a diagram to get a clear image). It cannot be cured, only aided with hearing aids to amplify sounds. With the correct resources and a determined mother, I was able to be the best that I can be.

I had a different childhood than most children have. At home, I was a quiet child and often misunderstood. The only one who could understand what I wanted was my older sister and everyone else helped as much as they could. As for school, it was decided that I should go to a school with a regular class setting since I was not deaf. So I attended preschool for two years where there was hearing resources. Once I changed schools for kindergarten, I met a hearing therapist who became a part of my support system for the following years. She helped me receive the necessary resources that I needed, such as extra time on tests, sitting in front of the room, and having my teachers wear a small device to help me hear better. It is required by law for students with a disability to get the necessary needs to succeed now that more people stand up for their right to be the best they can be.

Eventually, I graduated from middle school as well as high school with A’s and B’s. Now I am a senior, who will soon graduate with a B.A in English. I have worked hard to get to where I am and I will not stop there. My disability only pushes me to stay on top of my game to achieve my goals in life. It should not be used as an excuse for laziness; instead, it should be used as a source of motivation. There are people who will and do doubt that a person like me would make it far and succeed in having the ability to think, speak and write for myself.

I also learned that I was not alone. I made friends who are also hearing impaired and making the best of the path that they are on. For example, my oldest friend was born with the ability to hear with no problems. Then one day, she lost hearing in one ear and adapted to the change. Now, she is taking courses in criminal justice while raising a 3-year-old child. If that’s not inspiration, I don’t know what is.

The point is that no matter who you are, or what disability you have, we all have the ability to succeed. We celebrate diversity and the fact that we are able to support and embrace different perspectives. The only thing standing in your way is you and a bad attitude. So follow your dreams and be the best that you can be.