Peter Bockenthien My résumé reflects to me all of the hard work that I've put in because I felt I had to. I felt I had to compensate for a lack of hearing, an inability to pick up what was said during meetings and the crucial secondary information that others wittingly or unwittingly use in their decision-making. I not only had to figure things out, but I had to be two or three steps ahead of everyone else. Anticipating the variables and the directions they could push a project towards is what helped me more than anything.
I do not identify with being neurodivergent although I see why others view me that way. I definitely think differently than most because I have to. Again, it's all about anticipation.
I do not see myself as deaf although legally I am per my audiogram. I became deaf just weeks before my 21st birthday. I had to learn how to walk, talk, and read again. I didn't see a penny from medical malpractice insurance. Later I found out that my father did and lied about it.
I was apoplectic for a few weeks until I got worn out by the outrage. Then I moved forward. New day, different challenges, different things to figure out.
I identify as hearing-impaired because that's a lot more accurate. I wear a hearing aid in my right ear and I love socializing with people. I love making people laugh.
There's just one thing I can't do very well. I'm positive that there's one thing you wish you could be better at which brings me to the point of this post.
It is, and always has been, about how well you play with others. We each have skills and talents that in the right place allows us to contribute. That's all I'm looking for. I don't want a job, I want a challenge. I excel at doing thing I've never done before because I figure things out.
I asked ChatGPT what do you call people who excel at a variety of things and it replied with the word 'polymath' and gave names of famous polymaths. There's no way I'm ever going to call myself a polymath. I don't use labels because I focus on how well you and I work together.
I strive for excellence. I don't fit into pre-conceived norms. I want the opportunity to continue to grow the best version of myself so I can contribute to an organization that prides itself on innovative ways to help others.
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