Hello AllDeaf.
I signed up here a while back because I was looking for closure; I was going through a bit of a tough time. Anyway I never actually posted because the site was being a bit slow (probably for the best I think!) but I'm back now.
My name is Andrew and I've been profoundly deaf since I had Meningitis at the age of 2. I don't wear hearing aids because I've had a less-than-encouraging experience with them in the past and therefore I rely on the hearing I have and lipreading. I think I tend to 'play down' my deafness, it's a lot worse than most people think it is but I have coping strategies (don't we all) which help me survive day to day!
I live in Kent, which is in the South-East of the UK, between London, and France. This seems like a predominantly American website, but I've seen a few Brits about. I've been to the States 3 times, and I'm of the NY, Washington, LA and Vegas next Summer, which I absolutely cannot wait for. I love Mountain Dew, Pop Tarts and the guilty fast food!
At the moment I'm 19 and currently in my second year of training to be a primary (elementary for you Americans
) teacher at University. I guess it is going okay so far, although it is very challenging. For some reason I can't 'settle' with a typical/easy path through life, I always have to do something difficult. Nevertheless, I absolutely love working with children and I'm trying my hardest to end up with a good grade. My motivation is all over the place though, I've had a few bad experiences and problems with discrimination but I'll get through them.
One of the saddest things about my deafness is that I've always wanted to be a pilot and serve in the RAF but this is just not possible; I can't hear radios and I wouldn't pass a medical. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but it really sucks to hear someone tell you that you can't do something because of circumstances beyond your control. Ah well.
In my free time I'm quite geeky. I play video games, spend a lot of time on online message-boards and places like reddit and also go out to the pub with my friends every now and again. I'm an introvert and quite shy...but I had a tough time in school so I've learnt to enjoy my own company. I have a love of the written word and theatre, especially of Shakespeare.
I've had a little look through the forums, and you all seem like lovely people. I figured that this would be a good place to find like-minded people and have an open discussion about deafness as well as everything else! You have no idea how long I've been wanting to have a good rant about subtitling, discrimination and ignorant people...
Anyway, see you around!
Andrew
I signed up here a while back because I was looking for closure; I was going through a bit of a tough time. Anyway I never actually posted because the site was being a bit slow (probably for the best I think!) but I'm back now.
My name is Andrew and I've been profoundly deaf since I had Meningitis at the age of 2. I don't wear hearing aids because I've had a less-than-encouraging experience with them in the past and therefore I rely on the hearing I have and lipreading. I think I tend to 'play down' my deafness, it's a lot worse than most people think it is but I have coping strategies (don't we all) which help me survive day to day!
I live in Kent, which is in the South-East of the UK, between London, and France. This seems like a predominantly American website, but I've seen a few Brits about. I've been to the States 3 times, and I'm of the NY, Washington, LA and Vegas next Summer, which I absolutely cannot wait for. I love Mountain Dew, Pop Tarts and the guilty fast food!
At the moment I'm 19 and currently in my second year of training to be a primary (elementary for you Americans
) teacher at University. I guess it is going okay so far, although it is very challenging. For some reason I can't 'settle' with a typical/easy path through life, I always have to do something difficult. Nevertheless, I absolutely love working with children and I'm trying my hardest to end up with a good grade. My motivation is all over the place though, I've had a few bad experiences and problems with discrimination but I'll get through them.One of the saddest things about my deafness is that I've always wanted to be a pilot and serve in the RAF but this is just not possible; I can't hear radios and I wouldn't pass a medical. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but it really sucks to hear someone tell you that you can't do something because of circumstances beyond your control. Ah well.
In my free time I'm quite geeky. I play video games, spend a lot of time on online message-boards and places like reddit and also go out to the pub with my friends every now and again. I'm an introvert and quite shy...but I had a tough time in school so I've learnt to enjoy my own company. I have a love of the written word and theatre, especially of Shakespeare.
I've had a little look through the forums, and you all seem like lovely people. I figured that this would be a good place to find like-minded people and have an open discussion about deafness as well as everything else! You have no idea how long I've been wanting to have a good rant about subtitling, discrimination and ignorant people...
Anyway, see you around!
Andrew
