North Canterbury resident Christine Pearson has shown that with a positive attitude, nothing is a barrier when it comes to pursuing a new vocation.
Christine has just graduated from Open Polytechnic Te Pukenga with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology and Communications), and is looking forward to working in the community, sharing her skills and passion for wellness in the workplace.
Christine was born deaf and wore hearing aids from the age of two. When she left school, she hesitated at the thought of going to university. “The thing that really pulled me back was that I didn’t know whether I would be quick enough to write down all my notes and lip-read what the lecturers were saying at the same time. I thought it would be too much for me and I just left it.”
After working for Fairfax Media for 26 years as a receptionist and a reception administrator, Christine became increasingly interested in wellness in the workplace and how to help those who might be struggling mentally. After being made redundant in September 2020, Christine took the initiative to invest in herself.
“Because you see, a lot of hearing-impaired people seem to be pushed to just below the threshold of low income. And I’ve done a lot of research on that during my studies where people seem to think, OK, this person has an obvious disability and they’re not capable.
“And I thought, no, I want to show people that I am more than capable.
“I realised that this was an opportunity I had been waiting for. I had been wanting to focus on getting myself an education and was interested in wellness in the workplace and how I could help. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I thought, I’m up for it.”
While her hearing loss had proved a barrier when she had last considered studying, her new cochlear implant meant that any hesitations about going back to study had dissolved.
After a two-year battle with severe and debilitating tinnitus, Christine met with SCIP in 2018 who recommended a cochlear implant for her right ear. Christine was able to fund her operation thanks to a grant from the Fairfax Foundation.
“I was over the moon. A lot of deaf people think they’re too old, but I’m a very positive person and I was just thinking of all the benefits.
“The team at SCIP were absolutely amazing. They are positive, they love their jobs and they always welcome you. They’re a wonderful team and they believe in what they do.
“As soon as I had switch on, I thought, this is going to happen for me, for real! And now, I can hear so much it’s just incredible. Actually, I find that sometimes I hear too well and I can hear the hot water cylinder or that strange sound going on with the heater.”
Christine’s cochlear implant has also allowed her to pursue another passion – playing the cello.
“I played in my 20s but looking back, I think I really struggled. And after I got the cochlear implant I thought right, I’m going to start playing again! I’ve been playing with the orchestra for three years now. It’s wonderful, we have a good old laugh and really enjoy what we’re playing.”
Christine has also been able to nurture her social connections.
“I can hear people so well and relate to them, and I can have a conversation just as well as anyone. I’m quite social. I laugh and chat with people, and love to go out in the community. I really enjoy just listening and sharing the good things about life.”
Christine points out how thrilled she was with the support at Open Polytechnic. “If anyone is thinking about going back to study, I say go for it. You will get support, probably more than you ever got when you were in primary and secondary school. They’re there to support their students.”
“I’m an advocate for what wonders this technology can do. You’ll be amazed. And I say to people that this technology is going to change your life. It’s going to help with your social relationships and opportunities, there are so many advantages.”