The memories you have from high school will be cherished forever. Most people will agree that their high school experience was unique.
One high schooler who is deaf will always cherish his high school memories after he fulfilled his dream of joining the school’s marching band drumline—making history in the process.
Michael Gouin, 17, from Woodson High School is just like any other student, with the exception of one minor difference—he is deaf.
Despite having cochlear implants, Michael still faces considerable obstacles, but he never gives up. “They told me that they have never seen people who are deaf in a marching band,” Michael told Fox19.
Michael said that although his cochlear implants help him a lot, they can still cause him issues occasionally, especially when the implant’s battery dies.
“Every time when the battery dies, everything is all quiet. I can’t hear anything. So it’s really difficult to hear, but at least I can see the drum major.”
On game days, the teenager used to require assistance from an American Sign Language interpreter, but now he handles everything by himself. “Being deaf doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. You can do anything – just try and see what’s going to happen. Just like I joined the marching band. I never give up. We’re just like a normal person,” the teen said.
Michael plans to go to Galludet University after he graduates high school. He also plans to audition for the Baltimore Ravens marching band while attending college!
It’s fantastic how no one would even realize that one of the drummers in the drum line is a deaf student if you watched them perform! “I am deaf so I can’t hear, but I can feel it vibrating. So that’s why the bass is very loud, you can feel it vibrating, right?” Michael explained.
Michael’s story is inspiring and it clearly shows us no human is limited. Share this story with your friends and family to inspire them.
