Living with Deafness - Building Strength Through Struggle
Life has a way of testing us, and often, it's the toughest challenges that shape us the most. Looking back, I realize how much my upbringing and experiences have influenced who I am today. Overcoming obstacles hasn't always been easy, but each one has taught me something valuable about strength, resilience, and perseverance. Here’s a glimpse into my journey—one that has been shaped by challenges but defined by my determination to keep going.
I’m going to start with a BIG one... I was born into a family with deaf parents, and the challenges they faced became mine. The average deaf person has a reading level of a 4th grader—imagine how that impacts everyday life, let alone communication challenges. Family, friends, employers, and society—the 80s and 90s (and even today)—were not kind nor accessible to those with hearing impairments. I witnessed many parts of life treat my parents unkindly, and their hardships were often passed down to my brother and me. But, in turn, this helped me develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world.
When I was growing up, my dad often shared that his support system didn’t support his desire to go to college. They thought his hearing impairment would be too much of a hindrance to his ability to learn. I’m sure there’s more to the story—but I’m also sure that resources for those with disabilities and financial aid were likely non-existent in the 70s. So, my dad refocused his life on working A LOT and growing his family. He also had difficulty finding jobs that supported his learning and development while accommodating his hearing impairment. This impacted his ability to obtain long-lasting jobs with good earning potential. As a result, my family lived paycheck to paycheck, which meant I had to learn the value of hard work early on.
I knew at a young age that I was going to college so I could live differently than my parents. I went into college with the mindset that it would help me secure a stable career and income in the years ahead. Looking back, I realize this was probably a bit of envy, but in my case, it was a stepping stone to propel my future. I put myself through college—twice—while working a full-time job. Since I was paying for my education, I spent a lot of time studying, as good grades didn’t come easy to me. My friends didn’t always like this—they went to bars while I was studying or working. By the time I was 23, I had earned two degrees.
From a very young age, my friends often took advantage of my kindness and insecurity. I learned to make my own way and become independent. My group of friends is small now, and I’m okay with that. I prioritize being around people who bring goodness into my life.
I’ve learned that working hard for everything I want, just like my parents, makes the rewards even sweeter.
Despite all the obstacles I've faced—whether growing up with the challenges of a deaf household, putting myself through school, or navigating friendships—I’ve learned that the struggle is where growth happens. Each challenge has taught me invaluable lessons about strength, independence, and perseverance. Today, I am resilient, self-sufficient, and unafraid to face whatever comes my way. While the road has never been easy, the rewards of overcoming these challenges have shaped me into someone who knows that with hard work and determination, there will be rewards.
Much of my strength comes from my parents, who, despite their own struggles, always found a way to push through. Their resilience and determination to never give up were lessons I learned from an early age. As I continue this journey with Salt and Lavender Clothing, I bring with me the same resilience, dedication, and determination that have guided me through life. Navigating the world of small business will be no different from the challenges I’ve already overcome. I know it will require hard work, creative thinking, and the ability to adapt—but I’m ready. With each new hurdle, I will continue to grow, learn, and push forward, just as I always have. And, as always, I will stay true to my vision, knowing that the rewards of building something meaningful from the ground up will be worth every bit of effort.
I’d love to hear from you—what challenges have shaped your journey, and how did you overcome them?