ROdown Blog
Hearing awareness week – meet Adrian + hear about how he has overcome challenges + achieved his goals
Adrian has recently been involved in a Hear For You ‘Leadership Enrichment’ workshop, which encouraged him to successfully try out for a prefect role at his school.
Adrian now wants to share his story in the hope of encouraging other young deaf people to have a goal by showing that 'nothing is impossible' – a new motto he has developed since participating in the Hear For You program.
Adrian’s Story
As my school principal read out the names of the successfully elected prefects and called my name, I was really proud of myself. Now I'm a member of the leadership team of my school for 2009/10. My friends congratulated me on my effort. I couldn't hide my grin. This is one of the highlights in my lifetime. But let us rewind to when I was in Year 7.
I was a nobody, ashamed about my hearing loss. I had no friends as I started a mainstream selective high school. My popularity from primary school was forgotten as I started secondary school with no self esteem and no confidence. It was only then that I became involved in peer support activities. I found it very difficult to communicate but I did not tell my peers about my hearing loss because I was embarrassed. Even I was frightened to carry the FM to the teachers since they had no experience with this.
As the years went by, I made friends in my class and I realised that I needed to build a social network.
Using MSN and recently Facebook, I was able to make more friends easily without having to be nervous to confront and mumble words. My friends have learned about my hearing loss and have tried to help me.
Friends can help define who you are – not by intelligence or sporting achievements. With the support of my friends and teachers, my confidence was soaring high and I did not let them down.
Hear For You has also aided me in exceeding my potential. I learned that other deaf peers were also facing the same problems as I have endured. By sharing experiences and information between deaf teenagers and mentors, I have found new innovative ways to assist me towards my future and the work place.
Some activities, mainly 'The Hear For You Presidential Debate' and 'Leader of My Country' where my group did one-minute speeches at intervals helped boost my confidence. These activities helped me communicate with others about my thoughts and ideas. Being able to listen to those who also struggle to meet their demands associated with hearing loss made me realise that we all personally have room for improvement.
Honestly, my favourite activity was 'The Hear For You Presidential Debate' as I battled stage fright. In the end, I conquered my personal demons about having to present in front of a large audience.
I would like to thank my Hear For You mentors, Dave Brady and Kate Locke, for helping me build a positive attitude and my self-esteem. Special mention goes to Olivia Andersen who started the Hear For You program.
I hope that my story will inspire others regarding their goals in the future.
When I nominated myself for the prefect role this year, I did not expect to achieve it. However, Hear For You and my friendships brought about the unimaginable. I now look forward to the future and to enjoying a fantastic time promoting my school.
Check out Adrian's profile here.
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4 Comments
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Chey
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportDear Adrian,
Firstly Congrats on Becoming a member of the leadership team and Secondly a Huge thanks for sharing your story with us all.
Antria
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportWow - thanks Adrian! What an inspiring story! Thanks so much for sharing it :-)
Becks
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportHey Adrian,
Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration. I really appreciate getting to know a little bit about your world. Well done, and thanks again. =)
Becks
anna
over 2 years ago
Reply Reportcan I just say I was particularly inspired by Adrian's story - thanks so much for sharing it with us and giving us a little bit of an insight into your world!
:)