An interview with Haben Girma, the first deaf-blind person to graduate from Harvard Law - New Day NW

Summary

In this inspiring interview, Javen, a young individual who is deaf-blind, shares his passion for living life to the fullest through adventure and curiosity. He emphasizes the importance of physical connection with the world, encouraging others with disabilities to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their strengths. Javen advocates for seeking mentorship from peers with similar challenges and highlights the value of innovative problem-solving. His uplifting message resonates with resilience and acceptance, motivating young viewers to celebrate their differences and connect with supportive communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace Adventures: The speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life full of adventures instead of being confined by fear.
• 🗣️ Physical Connection: They highlight that physically connecting with the world is essential for accessing experiences, especially for those who are deaf-blind.
• 🌈 Celebrate Differences: The speaker encourages children with physical disabilities to celebrate their differences rather than hide them.
• 💪 Embrace Strengths: It's crucial to discover and embrace personal strengths, regardless of challenges faced.
• 🤝 Seek Mentorship: Other people with disabilities can provide guidance and mentorship, helping to navigate life's challenges.
• 💡 Pursue Curiosity: Curiosity drives the speaker to seek new experiences and innovative solutions.
• 🎉 Community Support: Finding support within a community can significantly enhance the ability to overcome obstacles.
• 🌟 Encourage Self-Acceptance: The speaker advocates for accepting who you are and being proud of it.
• 🚀 Avoid Conformity: Conformity can be detrimental; instead, individuals should focus on their unique journeys.
• 📝 Inspiration for Others: The speaker's courage serves as inspiration for others, encouraging them to face their challenges boldly.

Q & A

What motivates the speaker to seek new experiences despite being deaf-blind?

The speaker is motivated by curiosity and a desire to live a life full of adventures, emphasizing the importance of physically connecting with the world.

How does the speaker feel about staying at home out of fear?

The speaker expresses a strong aversion to staying at home out of fear, indicating a preference for actively engaging with life rather than hiding.

What activities does the speaker prefer over reading about them?

The speaker prefers going dancing rather than staying at home and reading about dancing, highlighting a desire for direct experience.

What key qualities does the speaker attribute to their pursuit of life?

The speaker values innovation, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to creating solutions in their pursuit of new experiences.

What message does the speaker convey to other kids with disabilities?

The speaker encourages kids not to be afraid of being different and to embrace their unique strengths, promoting a positive self-image.

What advice does the speaker give regarding questions or challenges they may face?

The speaker advises pursuing answers to questions and suggests that other individuals with disabilities can be helpful mentors in finding solutions.

How does the speaker view their childhood goal of being 'cool'?

The speaker reflects on their childhood goal of being cool, recognizing the pressure to hide differences but ultimately advocating for embracing uniqueness.

What role does curiosity play in the speaker's life?

Curiosity is a driving force for the speaker, pushing them to explore new experiences and remain engaged with the world around them.

What does the host express about the speaker's courage?

The host is inspired by the speaker's courage and believes that many people are similarly inspired by their story and experiences.

What information is provided about the event mentioned in the transcript?

The event is described as free and open to the public, and there is a recommendation to read the speaker's book.