When I was three years old, my parents discovered I was totally deaf. After seeing many doctors, they made a(n)1that would forever change my life.2sending me to a private school for the deaf, they decided to "mainstream" me, which meant that all of my schoolmates and teachers would be those with3hearing.
From almost the whole first day at school, the other kids4me and called me names mainly because of my hearing aid and the way I talked. I experienced great5throughout elementary school because, in addition to the problems of fitting in with the other students, I also struggled with most of my schoolwork. I seemed to spend every spare moment doing homework just in order to6others.
However, Mrs. Jordan, my 5th grade teacher,7all of that with a simple three-word phrase.
One morning, she asked the class a question. I8her lips from my front-row seat and immediately raised my hand. Despite my fears, I felt unusually9because for once I was sure I had the right answer. I gathered my courage, took a deep breath and10answered Mrs. Jordan's question. And I would never11what happened next.
Mrs. Jordan's response surprised all of us. With shining eyes and a big12she cried, "THAT'S RIGHT STEPHEN!"
For the first time in my young life, I was an instant star. My heart burst with13and my confidence increased like never before. I decided right then and there that I would make a14for myself in this world. The very three-word phrase had totally changed my young life.
From that day forward, my grades improved greatly. My view on life changed completely. And it was all15Mrs. Jordan.
