Nicol’s childhood was marked by silence—isolated as the only deaf person in a hearing family, in a world that seemed to push her aside. Doctors focused on spoken language, leaving her feeling more alone, misunderstood, and invisible. Every day, she felt the weight of being different, as if no one could see her struggle or hear her voice.
That all changed the moment she visited FSDB. Watching the Dance Troupe perform, she saw something she had never known—a community where deafness was not only understood but celebrated.
“For the first time, I saw people like me,” Nicol recalls. “I realized I wasn’t alone, and I knew this was where I belonged.”
In 2021, Nicol became a Dorm Advisor at FSDB, determined to be the role model she had never had. One moment stands out—the day a student said, “It means everything to have a dorm staff member who is deaf like me.” In that instant, Nicol understood how powerful representation could be.
Today, she continues as an Assistant Instructor and Swim Coach, guiding students not just through lessons, but through life’s challenges. She stands beside them, teaching them that no dream is out of reach when you have someone who truly understands.
Reflecting on her journey, Nicol smiles; her gratitude overflowing.
“FSDB didn’t just change my life—it gave me the chance to help others find their place in the world. It is more than a school; it is a home, a lifeline, and a place where lives are transformed.”
For those who believe in creating a world where no one feels invisible, Nicol’s story is proof that even the smallest gesture of support can change the course of a life.