My Extraordinary Father
The little girl and former classmate of mine was only seven years old. While walking in the neighborhood one day she managed to find the courage to approach a stranger and ask him a question. Stephanie’s mother assured her it would be okay and watched from a nearby sidewalk. “Hi, I’m Stephanie, are you David Coco?” she said in eager anticipation of the answer. “No, I’m just going to the park, “ the man swiftly replied and kept on walking. With tears in her eyes, Stephanie ran across the street to tell her mom about the incident. The man walking down the sidewalk was my father.
Growing up with a deaf father has placed me in some challenging, humorous, and often embarrassing situations. This unique encounter and many others have helped shape the emotionally mature man that I am today. When looking back at this particular situation I realize that my father’s deafness is as much a challenge for me as it is for him. I was born into a home where both English and sign language were spoken fluently. My mother , who is a counselor for deaf children, has been surrounded by the deaf community and deaf culture for most of her life. I have been in close contact with deaf people since the day I was born. My father’s disability has exposed me to a culture unlike any other, and has shown me that a life of silence, while sometimes painful and frustrating, can prove extremely rewarding. As a young child I was in awe of the attention my dad received but soon became embarrassed by his distinction. As a young adult I have become accustomed to using sign language in public and oblivious to stranger’s stares.
During the summer before my freshman year in high school my dad and I took a trip to British Columbia, Canada, where we got to spend some time away from family and friends. Traveling with a deaf parent created a major challenge and tested my patience. Interpreting for my dad at the customs border between the United States and Canada was a particularly unique challenge. Officials at the customs checkpoint were not accustomed to interacting with teenagers. I had to calmly explain to the officer that as he asked the questions I would have to interpret them for my deaf father. The trip also allowed me to form a strong bond with my dad, and I realized that his deafness did not have to be a burden to me. Instead I could look at it as an opportunity to develop character and maturity. Through this experience and many others I have learned to respect my dad and his disability, and have become sensitive to others’ differences.
Conversing with individuals whose speech sounds different or who have had strokes and other health problems related to their deafness has opened my eyes to the fact that having a good life is only what you make of it. My dad, and a large number of other disabled people, have made a significant contribution to society and their local communities. I look forward to working with different kinds of people when I get to college, and learning about many cultures. Beginning in the fall of 2000, I plan to attend Columbia University and study pre-medicine as an undergraduate student. I am currently interested in attending medical school and subsequently becoming an orthopedic surgeon. I hope that knowing sign language will allow me to create a relaxed atmosphere and successfully communicate with deaf and hearing-impaired patients.
Volunteering at events such as the “Austin Deaf Activity Fair” and getting to know deaf people in the community have enhanced my understanding of the rich diversity among deaf and hard of hearing people. I feel lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to meet interesting people and form long-lasting friendships. While growing up as a child of a deaf adult I have gained a unique perspective on life in that I am tolerant of change and open-minded. Overall, my dad’s perseverance and success despite his disability have inspired me to attend college and strive diligently toward my highest aspirations.
Mr. Kevin Coco will attend Columbia University in the fall. Kevin is a gifted student, an challenging thinker, and an athlete. He graduated from McNeil High School as a national merit scholar and was chosen a member of the third all state football team in Texas. In his spare time he volunteers in numerous activities, notably Habitat for Humanity and the elementary school book fair. He was captain of the varsity football team. Kevin is a terrific example of a product of hard work and perseverance towards one’s goals.
