Writing a Note to Myself: Words of Wisdom and Love

Dearest Nicola,

I am writing this note of wisdom and love to you in hopes that you grow into this world, a world you often feel you don’t fit in and are not a part of. You live in a state of fear, not wanting to be seen as deaf professional.

I know there are people who tell you, “It is impossible to have it all,” or, “Your problem is your expectations are too high.” I know you constantly had to adapt and overcome challenges at a very young age because you were mocked relentlessly by other children at school. I also know that some remarks made by people who may not realize their words insult your intelligence have hurt you deeply.

You have so much more potential than you ever imagined you would have. Look at how far you have come. You have rocked, and continue to rock, this box that tries to lock you in and keep you from finding the courage to get out.

Your life feels like a roller coaster of emotions, but I promise you that in the toughest moments, even when no one can truly understand what it means to be deaf, you will rise above it. Producing and directing your own documentary Step Into My World and writing your book The Cage Was Never Mine To Stay In have made you the inner soul of who you are and continue to become.

• I want you to care less and stop worrying about what others think of you or believe that you cannot achieve what you desire from life.

• I want you to step out of your comfort zone and that box you feel trapped in.

• I want you to travel and explore different cultures and disability communities in many countries around the world.

• I want you to do this as much as you can so that you can bring back their stories and experiences to share with others.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your stories can make all the difference. Remember that your stories are enough, and so are you.

With love.