Content
Don’t lose hope! I have a severe stutter and some days are better than others. I have had my stutter since the second grade; it became so crippling that I didn’t speak unless spoken to for almost a year. I got to the point where I became suicidal and it didn’t help that my family constantly moved me to over 15 schools. I was in speech class for almost 8 years and it did help some. At the age of 16 I tried to commit suicide, my stutter was one of my reasons for feeling so worthless. Thankfully I made it through but it was still a struggle. I went to college and one of my supervisors told me I would be a better teacher if I spoke clearly. That I should “fix my stutter.” Hmmm... if it were that easy I would’ve “fixed” it long ago. That didn’t discourage me but pushed me to continue my studies and obtain my Master’s in Education with a 4.0 GPA. I had people doubt me my entire life. From telling me that I couldn’t do certain jobs. My mother would talk for me at restaurants and appointments. I could see my speech made others uncomfortable or feel sorry for me. During my life so far I began three businesses and went back to my true passion: teaching. I am a teacher and have been asked by our school District to become the school principal. My life went from rock bottom to better than I could imagine. I won’t lie I still get frustrated but have accepted that this is who I am... I stutter. My stutter doesn’t define me. I don’t readily tell people about my speech. In the past when people are rude or think they’re clever with, “did you forget your name?” I let them know that I stutter and don’t appreciate their silly questions. I am now married to my husband and I have two sons. Please know that if you try to end your life because of your speech you will be missing out on so many wonderful life experiences. There is so much to live for. Everyone is struggling with something (remind yourself this and stop feeling sorry for yourself.) Be thankful that you can speak it just takes us a little longer.