Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

Starting grade 1 in a mainstream school as a child wearing a hearing aid was tough. Miss Tati though, was kind, patient, and an ally. I didn’t think it hard at the time, after all kids can adapt to their surroundings, no matter what they are. They just need love and support from their family. As the youngest of 5 kids by 8 years and more, I was read to, played with, loved, nourished, and more. My friends at the time were great. I lived in a neighbourhood where we all did things together. Like others my age, I think it was the best time to be a kid.

It’s the adults with preconceived notions about deaf children that were the issue . Grade 4, male teacher, my first one , and he demoted me in my reading group. I was so angry and no one to tell. My friends didn’t understand because I could read far above my grade level, thanks to my wonderful family who read to me from birth I think. My speech was normal or sounded British – definitely a few challenging letters – normal – a bit of speech therapy did the trick. I tried not to let it bother me, I knew how smart I was, but it obviously carried forward. In high school I decided I wanted to be a physiotherapist or physiologist, but the guidance councillor, again a male , said that wouldn’t be possible. Thanks for that. Physically I could win races, and was very strong, won ribbons at track and field. That boosted my morale.

I was a junior ranger in White River, and excelled, the supervisors said I had management skills, and why not be a leader of a group? I didn’t have the confidence to try. By then, other people thought I couldn’t. So always surround yourself with people who say you can do it. That you try.

Close to retirement now, I am weary, yes, I wish I had tried more. It is what it is. Learning never stops, keeping an open mind never stops, who knows, there is lots of time yet !