Entering a new year always brings with it reflection—on the past, the lessons learned, and the resolutions we set for the future. For me, these reflections are deeply intertwined with a life lived amid silence. By silence, I mean that for most of my 32 years, I have navigated the world significantly hearing impaired. This has shaped me, challenged me, and ultimately strengthened me in ways I could never have imagined.
My story begins with a little girl who, at a tender age, had to learn how to cope with a reality where sound was often out of reach. Thankfully, advances in technology, coupled with resilience and determination, have allowed me to pursue my dreams despite missing one of life’s primary senses. My journey is a testament to how obstacles, no matter how limiting they seem, can be overcome.
From my earliest years, I faced bullying, skepticism, and even discouragement from adults who doubted my potential because of my hearing impairment. For much of my life, it felt safer to hide this part of myself, protecting my strength, courage, and the discipline I needed just to keep moving forward. I relied heavily on hearing instruments and the unwavering support of my family and friends, who loved me unconditionally. By the grace of God, I can now say that at 31, I have grown to truly love myself. I’ve reached a place where I can be fully transparent with others about my disability, even in close relationships.
Chadwick Boseman once said, “Sometimes you need to get knocked down to understand what your fight is.” Those words resonate deeply with me. For so long, I allowed negative thoughts about my identity to hold me back from my full potential and purpose. I realize now that I could have been inspiring others, offering hope, even while living in my own shadow of doubt.
My story is meant for those who need to witness struggle, pain, and perseverance, and then see the triumph that follows. A wise person once told me, “There is always going to be someone in this world who has it worse off—or better off—than you. We have to choose how we are going to play the cards life has dealt us.” This philosophy has guided me through every challenge, reminding me that our response to hardship defines our journey more than the hardship itself.
As I complete the final semester of my doctorate degree and continue pursuing passions in fashion design, modeling, and writing, I want my story to be more than a list of achievements. It is a testimony to transformation and the evolution of the spirit. Without my faith, the struggles, the tears, the failures, and the moments spent at rock bottom, I could never have risen to fulfill my purpose and stand among the chosen.
And then there is love. My romantic life has been far from a fairytale—more a series of trials and lessons. But the love story that defines me is not about romance; it is about motherhood. For the past four years, I have been the primary caregiver to my daughter, Micah-Belle, who was born in Lawrence, KS, on January 2, 2017—the first baby of the new year. The importance of silence continues even in this love story.
I discovered I was pregnant in April 2016, entering my late twenties and my first year of graduate studies. Nervous yet certain, I knew I wanted this child. Life rarely goes exactly as planned, and my pregnancy was no exception. I had experienced a previous miscarriage, and with Micah-Belle, I faced ‘vanishing twin’ syndrome—a rare phenomenon where one of two fertilized eggs absorbs the other. I like to joke that this may explain her exceptional intelligence.
There is no love in this world that mirrors the bond between a mother and child. The depth, the intensity, the power of it is beyond measure. Motherhood transformed me. It reshaped my priorities, broadened my heart, and revealed parts of myself I had not known existed. Witnessing my daughter’s growth, her unique personality, and her unwavering love has made me a stronger, more compassionate woman.
Micah-Belle also learns daily about my hearing impairment, and watching her comprehend—and sometimes struggle with it—has been both challenging and beautiful. Even at four years old, she instinctively ensures I hear her, leaning in close, speaking clearly, and showing care and protectiveness beyond her years. Her love has grounded me, inspired me, and continues to push me to grow as both a mother and a woman. She is a constant reminder of what truly matters in life.
I recognize that my story is one among billions, yet it matters. Every life, every struggle, every victory matters. God has a plan for each of us, even when we do not understand it at first. I did not enter this world knowing I would be hearing impaired, or that I would need hearing instruments for life, and it took decades to accept and embrace this reality. But now, fully loving who I am, I see how much more I could have done, how many more doors could have opened, and how many lives I could have touched had I believed in myself sooner.
The beauty of life is that each day is an opportunity—a chance to start anew. For the rest of my life, I want to continue sharing my story, living transparently, and using my platform to inspire others. Life is hard, yes, but we have the power to choose how we face it. As a soon-to-be doctor, a mother, and a woman committed to growth, I have found my purpose. I am motivated to continue my mission, remaining true to who
