Since I was a kid, I've had a speech impediment. Despite the years I spent in speech therapy classes, I still struggle to say the letter "R". As a kid, I was really self-conscious about it, but I have now grown into it and learned to accept it as a part of who I am. However, there are still many struggles that come with my speech impediment.
1. Introducing myself
Going into college, I had to introduce myself to a lot of people. However, instead of being "Emily Farrell from New Jersey", I have become "Emily Fawell from New Jewsey". When both your name and your state bring out your speech impediment, it's a little hard to introduce yourself.
2. People trying to guess where your "accent" is from
No, I am not from England, Australia, or any other country that you think may have an accent that sounds similar to my voice. Yes, I'm from New Jersey, no, it isn't a New Jersey accent. Or sometimes, I just lie and tell people it's an accent because it's much easier than trying to explain myself.
3. Trying to get your point across
With a speech impediment, something as simple as asking where the restroom is becomes a challenge. I've gotten to the point where I just avoid words that contain an excessive amount of "R"s in them.
4. Thinking about the future
When I was a kid, just like every other little girl, I had a list of all of the things that my Prince Charming would have. Top of my list: a name that has no "R"s in it. Same goes for kid's names, street names, or anything that I would have to be telling others frequently.
5. School projects
Whether it was a recording, class presentation, or even just having to work with other students, I was always nervous that my speech impediment would set me back. The thought of having to speak in front of the class and no one understanding me scared me more than anything.
Even though my speech impediment sometimes creates a barrier between me and the people around me, it is something that makes me unique. It might drive me crazy sometimes, but it has helped shape me into the person I am today, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
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