Born into Two Worlds

By Michele Mariconti, New York H&V

Michele wrote this poem in her freshman year of high school. Struggling to fit in was on her mind. Michele has two older Deaf sisters that support her and have helped to guide and mold her. Like many Deaf individuals, Michele identifies with both the Deaf world and the hearing world and at times it has been tough. She has struggled with figuring out where she fits. When she saw Ren Putz’ video at NTID about self-confidence as a deaf young woman, she felt empowered. She has become a confident young Deaf woman with lots to offer and a bright future ahead. She now knows she belongs in both worlds now and is accepted readily by both her hearing friends and Deaf friends. She beginning her second year at Hudson Valley Community College with a major in psychology.   ~

What’s my purpose here?

Born Deaf 
Into two cultures 
What's the difference between hearing and deaf? 
One can hear, one can’t 
So what? 
I’m still me and you’re still you. We’re equal, aren’t we? 
But why do people judge me? Am I really that different 
just because I can’t hear?

H&V Communicator – Fall 2021