Empowering Insights from a Deaf-Blind Harvard Law Graduate
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Chapter 1: Breaking Barriers
Haben Girma exemplifies resilience and determination. She emphasizes that we can dismantle the greatest obstacles in our lives and accomplish our dreams. "Ableism," she told her audience of over 300, "is the most significant hurdle I've encountered in my career." This term refers to the belief that a person's value is tied to their physical abilities.
Despite her academic and professional successes, Haben faced numerous challenges, especially early in her life. She excelled in high school but struggled to secure summer employment like her peers. Although her qualifications impressed potential employers, her disability often led to rejection, even for roles that didn't require full physical capability. Nonetheless, she refused to give up. After numerous interviews and setbacks, she eventually secured a position as a gym receptionist.
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Section 1.1: Embrace Action
Haben advises against wallowing in self-pity. Instead, she encourages individuals to take proactive steps toward their goals. During one of her shifts, a patron complained about a malfunctioning treadmill. Haben navigated to the machine, felt around, and discovered a switch that revived it. When the woman remarked, "I didn’t see that switch," Haben replied with a grin, "Neither did I."
Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Humor
Section 1.2: Transforming Inspiration into Action
Haben's journey at Harvard Law showcased a crucial lesson: inspiration must be coupled with action. At a recruitment event, a partner from a law firm expressed his admiration for her story but failed to engage directly with her. His missed opportunity highlights the importance of transforming inspiration into tangible actions.
Chapter 2: Seeking Constructive Feedback
Haben suggests that traditional self-reflection can be limiting, especially when we rely solely on our physical appearance for validation. Instead, she has cultivated a network of supportive individuals who offer constructive feedback and encouragement. This approach has helped her make informed decisions and develop a winning mindset.
Section 2.1: The Importance of a Supportive Network
As Harvard Law's first deaf-blind student, Haben faced unique challenges in finding mentorship. She proactively reached out to both deaf and blind attorneys for guidance on navigating her academic and professional journey. By tailoring their advice to her needs, she carved out her own successful path.
Section 2.2: Personalizing Strategies for Success
Haben's unique strength lies in her comfort with uncertainty. Growth often requires venturing into the unknown, and she has learned to embrace this discomfort. Many individuals, including those with disabilities, face similar challenges daily, proving that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones.
Section 2.3: Challenging Comfort Zones
At the conclusion of her talk, I asked Haben how to handle situations where I need people to repeat themselves. She thoughtfully replied that the issue might not lie with the listener but rather with the speaker's clarity or confidence. Her insight encourages us to ask questions freely and not shy away from communication.
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