well, I have him in my class but I never talk to him. Actually, I never talk to anyone at school. I’m hard of hearing and I don’t use my voice much to my chagrin. I think I don’t speak clearly and I get a little upset when people mock my voice. I like this boy and he can tell that he may be interested in knowing me but he doesn’t know what to do. I use sign language and I sign with my interpreter. I am the only one who sign in school and kids think i’m mute because they rarely hear me talk. I like him but I don’t want to use my voice because he may make fun of it. I’m a sensitive person. I’ve never had a boyfriend before, only hook ups. he’s 17 and I’m 18. He’s a bad boy and I’m a school girl but he respects women especially older ones. I was thinking about not to sign all the times and start talking. I’ve tried to talk and the girl had me repeating either because my voice was low or I mispronounce the words. So she asked my interpreter what I said and my interpreter told her. I feel like i’m in the wrong school because I am seen as a invisible person. I want the school to know that I don’t need an interpreter and I can do anything just like they can do. But I don’t know how to show that. I’m very good at starting a conversation but the problem is that I may not hear everything or they may not understand everything I say. I have a speech therapist but she isn’t doing much to help me.
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The only way to get over your fear and stop being invisible is to get out there. Start making friends and talking. If people don’t understand at first it’s okay. With experience and time they will begin to understand your form of speech. They just need practice just like you. I advise to carry a notepad just in case you can’t hear or they don’t understand you can explain quickly. The people who don’t want to bother won’t that might hurt but it will feel great when you realize there are people who want to be your friend and are trying. If you think the guy is interested just tell him you like him and would like to get to know him. If he doesn’t like you at least you will never regret the decision, you know look back and say what if? If he does it can be a great experience and help expand your horizons. You can write me if you want to talk more. I would love to hear what happens. i wouldn’t mind practicing your speech on the phone either. You seem like a great girl. Don’t waste the little time you have. You can be having the time of your life. When life hands you lemons make lemonade. Oh! and let people know what the speech and hearing issue is so they know to talk loud.