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Akadiri Opeyemi, a hearing-impaired entrepreneur, shares her story of struggling with low self-esteem, depression, and suicidal thoughts on her path to self-actualization. In an interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, the 28-year-old reflects on overcoming life’s hurdles after losing her hearing to measles in childhood, turning her challenges into inspiration for others.
What was your upbringing like?
Hailing from Akoko in Ondo State, my childhood was marked by challenges as my parents’ love waned when my hearing impairment surfaced.
Were you born with a hearing impairment?
No, I contracted measles at seven, which led to a year-long illness affecting my hearing. The aftermath left lasting impacts, including becoming partially deaf during my early school years.
There were struggles that ensued, and seeking medical intervention became a recurring theme in my journey to manage my health challenges.
How did your parents react to your condition?
Initially, my parents grappled with denial and resorted to unconventional remedies before eventually acknowledging and seeking professional help for my hearing impairment.
Despite challenges, I persevered, and my determination led me to pursue higher education at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where I studied Ecotourism and Wildlife Management.
What was your experience in school as a hearing-impaired individual?
Navigating school life posed challenges as my hearing impairment affected classroom interactions and my self-esteem. Despite facing ridicule and struggles, I pressed on and graduated in 2022 after overcoming academic hurdles.
How did you cope with communication barriers?
Learning to read lips became a crucial communication tool for me, helping bridge the gap caused by my hearing impairment and empowering me to confront instances of misunderstanding and exploitation by others.
Through resilience and determination, I have transformed my experiences into sources of strength and inspiration, paving the way for a successful entrepreneurial journey despite the odds stacked against me.