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Nehemiah Wins National Literary Competition

Nehemiah on stage for the National Literary Competition

Being selected to come to the U.S. on the YES program was life changing for deaf student Nehemiah Danjuma (YES 2015-2016, Nigeria, hosted by World Link in Arvada,CO). This year, Nehemiah was able to attend an all deaf school and live with a host family that advocates for equal access for the deaf. Through these venues, Nehemiah was able to join school activities like the Academic Bowl Team as well as submit a written essay for the 2016 National Literary Competition held by Gallaudet University, the only higher education institution in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.

His teachers encouraged him to enter the competition because of his love for writing, but that is not why he entered-

“I didn’t enter because I love to write, but because I have something I care and am passionate to write about. The theme is my favorite and obviously it’s something on my mind! I have a dream that I believe in and share with the deaf community. So the essay gave me the opportunity to express the dream I have for deaf people in my country.”

Nehemiah won the Grand Prize in this competition, a trip for two to visit Gallaudet University in Washington DC!

Nehemiah  on stage

Nehemiah wrote the following about his experience in DC:

“Visiting Gallaudet University was a dream come true for me! I never thought I’d have the opportunity to meet the deaf celebrity Model Nyle DiMarco. I never imagined I would make it to the National Academic Bowl competition as an observer. I never thought my essay would be published in The Buff and Blue literary edition magazine and Gallaudet Youth’s website. The trip was a great experience, connection, recognition and academic goals in the future. It was a great honor for my host school, this exchange program, and my country.

I have always dreamed of going to Gallaudet, so visiting the campus helped me think about me college choice. I think the visit outweighed my expectations.

The University President organized two classes for me to observe while on campus. Since I’m interested in law, journalism, and international relations, I got to attend a Constitutional Law class and European Studies class. I also toured the campus, observed the academic bowl matches, and had lunch with some prominent Nigerians at Gallaudet. It inspired me to want to find where I belong.

The great honor was when I was called up to the stage in front of nearly 1,000 people and recognized as the literary competition grand prize winner for writing. Standing there, I feel so honored and humbled!

The trip gave me the opportunity to be interviewed by the State Department. The interview will help find host families for new exchange students with disabilities by featuring my practical experience, host family life, challenges, success, and alumni goals, as well as an interview with my host Dad. 

The interview helped me to be more open minded in order to answer all the questions I was asked. I strongly support the inclusion of more deaf, blind, handicapped, and mentally or physically disabled people on the program. I look forward to seeing more exchange students like myself.

On May 6, 2016, I attended a fundraising event for the Veditz Center and had the chance to meet Nyle DiMarco again since he was the chief fundraiser. My host mom was on the committee that organized the event, which aimed to garner support to provide a stronger language foundation for deaf babies and toddlers. The Veditz Center plans to open a home for the deaf community in Colorado. My host mom is a strong advocate for equal access to information for deaf people. I fit in the family so well because they’re familiar with deaf culture! I have two deaf host siblings. Because of their support, I’m finishing my year strong!”

Nehemiah wrote of his exchange year:

Life as an exchange student has taught me a lot. The year has been adventurous, challenging, fun, life-changing, and worthwhile! I’m so grateful for this wonderful opportunity.

Read his winning essay submission on page 23 and then read about the Nyle DiMarco Foundation.


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