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NEVER LOOSING SIGHT OF YOUR GOALS- (3789 bytes) written on 2003-02-09 09:35:12 [stories] id#(4)
My story is no different than anyone else who has gone through the same experiences, so are my accomplishments, successes, and my future dreams are the same. As a person who stutters and having a slight learning disability these have only added to my character to never give up and this has influenced the way I make long lasting friendships as well. Like everyone who has trouble communicating this has affected the way I do things, the way I approach problems, people, and my overall solution. Over the years I have come to think of this as a journey.
I guess the journey began when I was at pre-primary, although I was having speech problems this did not stop me from always talking on the contra the more speech therapy I got when I was 4 though to 9 years old the more confident and outward I became although I was and still am extremely shy especially around crowded places. At the same time I was also having trouble with reading, writing, giving talks in class and with math’s that affected my confidence level and became terribly frustrating. However I did preserver and by year 5 at school I won a book award for writing a book report, I then had to give a brief talk on my work in front of my school class. By this stage I was copping quiet nicely with my speech, the only problem I did have was socializing which I have observed is not easy to overcome the fear of especially if you stutter. This was made even harder by the fact because I was changing schools about every 3 years as I became better at learning. However I still coped by joining various sporting activities like soccer, athletics, and latter Tae kwon do.
By the time I got into High School, my first year was ok because I new all the kids and my friends stuck up for me however in year nine, I moved house to a completely different area with a completely different social class of kids. This was especially hard because not only was I trying to get used of a new school, I was finding that I was being ostracized for not only my stutter and the flinches that come with it, but also my shy nature, my height. From years nine to twelve my speech became gradually worse due to the stress from the bullying and teasing but also I was struggling with Math’s and especially English, which had a lot of group work.
During this time I joined Tae Kwon Do, which I have been continuing for 11 years. Tae Kwon Do has helped me in a lot of ways to overcome my Speech and confidence problems. Although I still have problems, mostly speaking up, I impressed my instructor enough where now he has the confidence in me to instruct the class of a group of 30 students made up of all ages from 5 years to adult. This allowed me to transfer my new confidence to when I was in TAFE doing my TEE and now University where I frequently take part in discussions.
In 1999 I got assistance from an excellent Speech Pathologists who has helped me to control my speed, flinches and intonation through speech control. Since then I have never looked back. I have successfully obtained employment at the Department of Housing & Works in the Human Resources branch at the front counter firstly by completing a Traineeship and now I have been appointed as a permanent level one officer. I am still continuing my part time University studies and doing quite well.
For those who have gone through or are going through similar experiences with their stutter, I would like to offer some pieces of advice. If you set your goals high and never give up you will eventually obtain your dreams. Time, perseverance and determination, along with support from friends, will get you there. I am not there yet, but I am on my way.
Steven age 22
Article "NEVER LOOSING SIGHT OF YOUR GOALS" Provided by youthsspeak.com.au
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