Written by INCIGHT Scholar, Shayna Jones
Throughout school, there were many times I felt different. The first time I realized I was different was in third grade. As students, we were required to take turns reading in small groups with our teacher to track our proficiency. I was a nervous third-grader with a speech impediment who frantically scanned each line to rehearse what I would be saying aloud. After a few stumbles, I finally got through the paragraph. I sighed with relief, and then I noticed how silent the room was. I made eye contact with my teacher, and I was met with a look of disapproval and then I heard my teacher say, "Are you sure you're going to speech therapy? Because it doesn't seem to be working." My classmates snickered at me as my face turned red with shame.
Even years after that moment, I used it as proof that my voice wasn't good enough to be heard. Yet, with time, that experience became a turning point in my journey. I realized that I could either let my disability define me, or I could use my disability to grow stronger. I chose strength, because I refused to dim myself down for others' comfort. During speech therapy, I gave it my all. I practiced saying different words and phrases until they sounded more natural. At school, I began raising my hand more and answering questions, even if my answers weren't perfect and my voice shook. Every effort I made for myself gave me more confidence.
The confidence I gained carried over into other areas of my life. I participated in school clubs that challenged me to speak and have leadership roles, such as DECA and my high school’s Black Student Union club, where I was a marketing officer. I sharpened my collaboration skills, practiced presenting ideas, and took on responsibilities that once would have scared me. Additionally, I was able to give back to my community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. There, I discovered that I enjoy working with people and contributing to something larger than myself.
Since my speech impediment isn't always visible to others, people often don’t realize the effort it takes to speak confidently. Having an invisible disability taught me the importance of speaking up for myself. This skill has been especially important in college when seeking accommodations and support. I’m currently studying social work, which has helped me build the knowledge I need to work with students in the future. I hope to earn my master’s in social work to become a school social worker for high school students. I want to help students navigate challenges such as bullying, mental health, or family issues, so they can thrive academically and emotionally. As I aim to create a supportive and diverse environment for students, I hope to empower students to overcome any obstacles.
Even though these experiences did not change the challenges I faced with my speech, they did teach me that my voice is worth being heard. They helped me grow from a quiet third-grader who dreaded being called on into someone who is not afraid to lead and serve my community. As I move forward throughout life, I want to continue using the confidence I gained to advocate for others who feel unheard.
About the author: Shayna Jones is one of 35 students who received the 2025/2026 INCIGHT Scholarship and was invited to share her story with others by writing for The Understanding Digital. Shayna is from Puyallup Washington and is attending Pacific Lutheran in Tacoma where she is pursuing a career as a high school social worker.
