Being The Only Deaf Student In School Taught Me How To Embrace Myself
Start writing a post
Sports

Being The Only Deaf Student In School Taught Me How To Embrace Myself

Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I was the only deaf student.

685
Being The Only Deaf Student In School Taught Me How To Embrace Myself
Derek Huang

Imagine being different from everyone in your school. Imagine having other people look at you day in and day out due to simply being different. That was me throughout the entirety of elementary, middle, and high school; all because I'm deaf with cochlear implants.


Before I entered the public school system, my parents had to sue the county because the county wouldn't let me attend school because they felt that they couldn't provide what I needed. All my parents wanted was for me was to go to a regular school and have a "normal" life like any other kid. Just because I am deaf doesn't mean I had to go to a "special" school for the deaf. Luckily, my parents won the case and I was able to attend public school. Of course, I received quite a bit of extra help. For example, the school provided me with an FM system, gave me extra time on tests, and other accommodations as well.

Going to public school as the only deaf student was difficult. Many students and teachers had never met a deaf person, let alone a deaf student. Many students would ask me why the teacher was wearing something around his/her neck, or why I had to leave the room when there is a test. There were times that students made fun of me because I did and had to do certain things that were different from everyone else. Most of my teachers were very considerate and willing to help me. There was a teacher that I had that was very interested in learning more about cochlear implants; so interested that my teacher came with me to an audiology appointment so my teacher can learn more about cochlear implants. Some teachers weren't so helpful and it was difficult being in those classes but I was able to get through it.

It got very lonely at times because I felt like no understood me. I didn't have another student to look up to or to ask questions. I was all on my own. However, my parents, my sister, and a few adults that were there for me and helped me along the way. They taught me how to advocate for myself and make sure that my needs were being met. I have learned how to deal with difficult challenges. From those challenges, I have learned so much and became familiar with how to deal with difficult situations. Yes, the challenges that I had were difficult, but they were also extremely rewarding. One of the biggest things that I have learned is that since I was in a class with hearing people, just because I am deaf did not mean that I couldn't do what everyone else does in class or school. For example, in high school, I got involved in various types of clubs like any other student would have done.

If you are someone that is deaf and you are the only deaf student in your school or class, embrace the difference; our differences make us human, and it is beautiful.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39661
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24234
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950222
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

129542
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments