Being deaf or hard of hearing can no doubt be a struggle, but for one Salmon Arm Secondary Student, it has become something she embraces.
Grade 12 student Kennedy Gerlitz, recently took part in the Optimist International Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in April. Gerlitz brought home second place.
Gerlitz was required to give a speech on the topic of passions and how they impact the world.
She focused on talking about her own passion, which is eating healthy, being active and having a positive body image.
“Passion is what helps you go through life,” say Gerlitz. “It’s what makes you happy.”
Her performance gained her the chance to compete at a higher level of the competition in Oregon on May 19, where she scooped up second place.
Gerlitz has been competing for the past four years, but this year is the first time she has placed so high.
“It’s a weird feeling, and a good feeling,” said Gerlitz. “I’ve been doing this for four years, it’s been a lot of practise.”
Gerlitz said the best part about competing is the people she meets.
Gerlitz said the toughest part of dealing with being deaf and hard of hearing is that some people don’t always understand what people can and can not hear.
“We grow up in a hearing environment, and some people don’t understand,” said Gerlitz. “It can be difficult, but I’ve learned to embrace it and use it.”
Now that her competing days are behind her, Gerlitz will be fulfilling her passion as she graduates and heads to university in human kinetics.