I wanted to write and share my expereinces with all those
anxious parents out there. I was born with an extremeley severe
cleft palate. I have been through eleven surgeries in sixteen
years and my speech is still unintelligible to many strangers who
come across me. Last year,as a freshman in high school, I had the
distinct pleasure of becoming the state champion in my event at
the state forensics meet. Yes, you read that right,a forensics
meet. I have been competing in forensics since the seventh grade.
I decided that I wasn't going to let my speech stand in the way
of something I wanted. It hasn't always been easy and people
haven't always been accepting,but overall it's been a rewarding
experience. I just want to let all those parents out there know
that there is hope for their children and there are no
limitations,so please,don't set them. Let your children tackle
any obstacle they want to. The experience is almost always
rewarding.