I was born with a congenital deformity in which both my external ears were not developed and my external auditory ear canals were closed which is known to me as Bilateral Microtia and Atresia.

I rode on the short yellow bus, segregated in a special classroom, and on top of that had to wear uncomfortable metal hearing aid device for the majority of my life.

Speech therapy and my parents support and ambition led me to go into the mainstream classes in Elementary school. However this introduce me to another obstacle of being bullied because I was different. I was not only unique for my condition but because I was intelligent then the average student.

Fast forward, I have a Bachelor's Degree Computer Science and Mathematics, Master's Degree in Social Work, and A Deaf Studies Certificate (where I learned about my culture and ASL). I'm also a proud advocate for Microtia and Atresia, Deaf, and Hearing Loss Communities.

But I had that itch to prove to myself to go and get my Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership to continue to be that advocate, educator, and role model that no matter how your life begins it does not have to be a dead end towards your journey.

Future Dr. G Single Mother of one Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc 💙💛 EdD Journey Begins August 23 🤟🏾🤟🏾🎓🎓