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f Stories o Inspiring You ! e ik L Teens d n a s id K
acK’s Faves H BOOKS Think and Grow Rich
H MUSIC Country
H CONCERT Off the Rails
H MOVIES Top Gun Ford vs Ferrari
H FOODS: Cheeseburger Chinese Food
H SPORTS: Golf Football Basketball
H PLACES: Rome, Italy Paris, France Hawaii, US
H W does Jack hear? With his eagle scout badges on display, and two cochlear implants!
All About Me
Hi, I’m Jack, and I’m 18-years-old and just finishing senior year at Reedy High School in Frisco, Texas. I love to play sports, hangout with friends, and go camping. In fact, I was a boy scout for many years before earning Eagle Scout rank last summer.
Hearing My Way
I lost my hearing when I had meningitis at 13 months old. I became a candidate for a cochlear implant and received my first one on the right side at 16 months. I received my left cochlear implant just after my third birthday. I attended a preschool program for kids with hearing loss and typical peers in Ohio, where we lived at the time.
School Cool
I was mainstreamed in kindergarten through second grade and attended a combined mainstream/hearing impaired program from third through fifth grade. Since moving to Texas, I have been mainstreamed from sixth through twelfth grade, receiving services from a very special teacher, Tonya Garrett, my teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing. She helps put in place wonderful accommodations for me, including preferential seating, copies of classroom notes and PowerPoints, and extra time for tests. I attend IEP meetings with my teachers where I hear how they think I am doing in the classroom, and where I can advocate for myself. A few hours each week, I work directly with Tonya on new vocabulary, writing, and, most recently, college applications.
That’s Just the Way I Hear
When people ask me about my hearing devices I usually explain what cochlear implants are and why I have them. Most people are amazed when they learn about this incredible technology. I embrace the technology of my cochlear implants, and I try to use them to my fullest ability. I want other kids to know that they should never be embarrassed about wearing technology that helps you live a full life.
Family First
I have a close relationship with my family. My siblings have always been super supportive of me. We have a good sense of humor; for instance, sometimes if I don’t know the right word I substitute a different word, and my family likes to call these sayings ‘Jack’isms.’ I bonded with my brother Jared by doing boy scouts together and celebrating my Eagle Court of Honor alongside him last fall.
H QUOTE:
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” —Milton Berle
6
Jack shows off his cochlear implants through the years.
Jack (left) with his sister and brother at the beach.