Video Testimonials

Hi, my name is Stephanie and I participated in the Hear For You mentoring program last year (2010), where I have had a great experience for many reasons. Meeting many people with a similar background, all us students were able to share our experiences and get to know each other. Rania who is a mentor, who is also my cousin, told me about this program. I am glad she told me about this, as I have learnt quite a lot. Rania has always been there for me, she is someone who has always inspired me… Hear For You, in my opinion is the same sort of inspirational program to encourage all of us to open up and to be who we are.

Some of the topics that we discussed as a group were identity, communication, leadership and teamwork and career footpaths. The fact that our mentors have a hearing impairment as well, us students are able to trust them, as they understand our experiences. Our mentors help us accept that deafness is not a disadvantage; it is just a difference, in which they provide a positive outlook for our future. Guest speakers including Kate’s husband spoke to my particular Year 11 and 12 group, sharing this experience and perception of having a relationship with a deaf person. This was a good way of providing us an insight into this later stage of future relationships.

Having graduated from High School last year, I am now studying at UTS, Bachelor of Design in Architecture. It has been very challenging, however, what gets me through, is my belief that there’s nothing wrong with alerting others about my hearing while having a good attitude and standing up for myself. I would recommend any students with a hearing impairment to join up and have lots of fun! I want to thank Olivia and all our lovely mentors for their hard work and inspiring stories to help set a great example for young deaf children. Thank you.