WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES STUTTERING HAS PRESENTED TO YOU? Just the ways in which it has affected my confidence. There were so many things I didn’t do when I was younger because of my stutter. I wish I had been more confident about my stutter at a younger age so I could have done more of the things I wanted to do but didn’t because I was scared of judgment. Now I know I can do anything I put my mind to, and my stutter should never be a reason why I don’t do something I want to do.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WITH REGARD TO STUTTERING?
Being able to share my story on American Idol has been a big accomplishment. I’m so happy that I get to be a role model to so many people who also stutter and feel like their dreams can’t come true. Being able to show these people that you can achieve your dreams makes me feel so proud and lucky.
BASED UPON YOUR EXPERIENCES, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL CHILDREN WHO STUTTER? I would tell children who stutter that any feelings they have about their stutter are valid. I think it’s important to realize that living with a stutter is not easy, and everyone has a different journey when it comes to accepting their stutter. So, I would love to tell all kids who stutter that their feelings are valid, and that stuttering is the least important thing about you. There are so many amazing things about you that make you special, and you should not let your stutter dim those amazing things.
BASED UPON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO STUTTER?
I would tell parents of kids who stutter to always be there to listen. It’s so important for kids who stutter to have a strong support system and to feel comfortable when they speak. Knowing they have parents who will listen without judgment means so much. I would also advise them to introduce their children to the stuttering community. There are so many support groups for kids who stutter and being able to have friends who also stutter is so special. Never dismiss your child’s feelings either. Any experience or feeling related to stuttering can be hard to open up about, so make sure to acknowledge your child’s feelings and always remind them how special and important they are.
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Photos courtesy of ABC Entertainment, American Idol and Jesse Findling
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