Dear Parents,

 

I know how it feels to face a world that doesn’t always meet you halfway. As a deaf person, I grew up navigating challenges that most people around me didn’t understand. Simple things—like catching a teacher’s instructions in class or making a friend in a noisy environment—felt like uphill battles. And though I learned to adapt, it wasn’t without moments of frustration, loneliness, and uncertainty about how to move forward.

 

When I became a special educator, I saw those same feelings reflected in the families I worked with. Parents who loved their children deeply but were often stretched thin—unsure of how to juggle everything, wondering if they were doing enough, and worrying about what the future might hold.

 

One of my most memorable experiences was with a student I worked with during my very first job. He was difficult to manage—running around, hitting others, and constantly testing boundaries. I felt completely out of my depth. After just a month, I started dreading going to work and even had anxiety attacks in the morning.

 

A few months later, I injured my knee and needed a cane to walk for a while, and the thought of handling my classroom with this added challenge felt overwhelming.

 

But something unexpected happened. That same student, the one I struggled so much to reach, began holding my hand every day, helping me move around the school. The child who once seemed so unreachable showed incredible empathy and care.

 

That moment showed me how much potential lies beneath challenging behaviours. With time and trust, even the most difficult situations can transform into something beautiful.

 

Another unforgettable moment came later, when I was working with an 11-year-old boy in a mainstream school. 

 

His behaviour was initially very difficult to manage, but over two years, he began to grow in ways that were so rewarding to witness. He listened, participated, and showed remarkable progress.

 

At a parent-teacher meeting during my second year with him, I shared all the good things I’d seen. 

 

“He’s doing so well,” I told his mother. “He’s made so much progress.”

 

She started crying. Concerned, I asked her what was wrong. She said, “He’s been in this school for seven years, and this is the first time someone has ever said anything good about him.”

 

Her words stayed with me— it showed me how much parents carry—the worry, the exhaustion, and sometimes the heartbreaking feeling that no one truly sees their child the way they do.

 

These experiences, along with my own journey as a deaf person, have shaped my work as an educator and advocate. I’ve spent over a decade helping teens, young adults, and their families find the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive. I’ve learned that no challenge is insurmountable when we approach it with empathy, understanding, and a belief in what’s possible.

 

This isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong.” It’s about celebrating progress, unlocking potential, and creating a future full of hope. You don’t have to do it all alone.

 

Thank you for letting me walk this journey with you. Together, we can build a brighter path for your child—and for you.

 

With hope,
Sukanya