I am Colette, a proud member of an Irish family. Life taught me early on to survive on my own. Through every challenge, I found a way to turn adversity into strength. Even when I was labeled 'DEAF AND DUMB,' I refused to let it define me. Despite being 85% deaf in a world of booming voices, I found my own way to communicate, succeed, and thrive. My spirit crackled like hidden lightning, refusing to be silenced. I always believed in the power of resilience. "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." These words resonated with me deeply and kept me going.