Voice of Power

As most of you know, I have a speech impairment. I’ve worked very hard over the years to create articulation tactics in order to be understood. Although it is challenging, occasionally, I’ll get that “what did you say” look, but for the most part, I am understandable.

I am encouraged when I see another person succeeding with the same challenge as me. Poet Amanda Gorman not only has me feeling encouraged these days, but she is giving me that feeling of empowerment.

Amanda, who not only recited an igniting original poem at this year’s big game, but the inauguration too. Twenty-two years ago, she and her twin sister were born premature and was given the prognoses of possibly having a disability.  Disabilities have a way of making life full of challenges and most times, make it difficult to succeed. My parents were given similar prognoses about me when I was born, but guess what?  I fooled the professionals and my life has been filled with many successes.

Turned out, Amanda had auditory and speech articulation issues that was determined in Kindergarten. As a person with a speech impairment, I know how hard it is to live with this disability.  Society often associates a speech impairment with cognitive intellect. This is sad but true. I can’t count how many times a person has tried to overlook or tried to treat me as if I’m a child because of the way I speak. I also know, the only way I’m going to get my wants and needs met, is by speaking. I used to hate my voice. I know you’re saying “hate” is a strong word, but I did. I thought it made me sound like a monster. I quickly realized with the moral support of family and friends, that my voice was, beautiful! It’s a little different but being different and unique is what makes the world go round.

Often a disability has a way of making you feel, less than a person. If you look different, act different, or talk different, the assumption is something must be wrong with you, but this is not true for most.  Those who are “different”, are the ones who are doing great things and impacting the world like, Amanda!

Amanda has gone on to write and recite poems making her one of the most sought-out people in the world.

https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/blogs/making-a-difference/2018/07/25/amanda-gorman-youth-poet-laureate-has-speech-and-auditory-processing-issues

Because of her talent, she’s graced the cover of Time Magazine and was signed to IGM Models.

Amanda Gorman is a name that you’ll never forget. She will go down in history for motivating many.  She advocates to use what you have to the best of your ability. Thanks, Amanda, for flaming my fire to let my voice be heard.

13 comments on “Voice of Power

  1. Essie on

    Hi Shari,
    I always enjoy reading your blogs! I agree with you about keeping our eye on Amanda Gorman. I am not sure if this is true, because it is “third hand” but Amanda is writing a children’s book and it is being illustrated by an artist in Cincinnati. I do not know who the artist might be but I am trying to find out if this is true.

    Take care and keep inspiring and educating us!

    Essie

    Reply
  2. shelly hulce on

    Thank-you, as always, for sharing your gifts in such inspiring ways. You are one of the “hope dealers” in my life and I look forward to your blogs. SO HAPPY that you are back at GESMV!!

    Reply
  3. Monae Dawson on

    Great story Shari. Amanda sounds quite interesting and full of life (hope to check out her story later on). Thank you for giving us another outlook on life. We the people are often challenged by that which is not normal by societies terms and often prematurely judge, and are quick to write off/dismiss anyone or anything that brings us out of our own levels of comfort. I guess that’s why I personally have learned to agree to disagree, befriend the not so popular, get to know folks with different backgrounds, and stretch myself in new directions, that will ultimately become the key to my version of success. It’s my beliefs that our transparency will force us to see that we all have imperfections. “Other’s peoples opinions of me are not my reality. If you do a thing easy you’ll life will be hard, If you do a thing hard you’ll life will be easy” Unknown

    Reply
  4. Monae Dawson on

    Great story Shari. Amanda sounds quite interesting and full of life (hope to check out her story later on). Thank you for giving us another outlook on life. We the people are often challenged by that which is not normal by societies terms and often prematurely judge, and are quick to write off/dismiss anyone or anything that brings us out of our own levels of comfort. I guess that’s why I personally have learned to agree to disagree, befriend the not so popular, get to know folks with different backgrounds, and stretch myself in new directions, that will ultimately become the key to my version of success. It’s my beliefs that our transparency will force us to see that we all have imperfections. “Other’s peoples opinions of me are not my reality. If you do a thing easy your life will be hard, If you do a thing hard your life will be easy” Unknown

    Reply
  5. Renee Wood on

    Shari, great blog. I hated my voice too. I remember at speech therapy they used to record my my and force me to listen to myself. I horridly detested that and just quit talking. Yeah, they got the hint and stopped that with me – it didn’t help, just made me angry. I think singing at home with family is what helped my speech.

    Reply
  6. Mary Pfeil on

    I appreciate knowing more about Amanda Gorman’s background. It is neat to draw inspiration from others who have similar challenges. Shari, I enjoyed the link you provided in the blog. Wow! The video showed her reading another one of her poems at the age of 15. She certainly always has had wisdom beyond her young years.

    My own speech slow so I can relate to people who have difficulties. I do wish I could keep up with praying aloud in church, but I have learned to key in to others sitting near to me and let their voice be mine in speaking the prayers. It is quite human for people not to like the sound of their own voice. I do not like mine either, but oh well! On the other hand, I have the greatest physical control over my speech and it is a great asset over my hands, as I can dictate a lot faster than I can punch keys on my computer keyboard!

    I am already looking forward to your next blog. Masks are my issue too.

    Reply

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