Monday, May 01, 2023

Fwd: "This is not a speech about Mister Rogers"


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"This is not a speech about Mister Rogers"

My Pitt School of Health and Rehab Sciences graduation speech

May 1
 
 

Editor's note: This is not this week's newsletter! That is coming on Wednesday. I promised many I would share the text of my keynote speech given this past Saturday at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences graduation at Soldiers and Sailors. Let me tell you, speaking in front of that many people was a very new experience for me, and it's a memory I'll always keep in a readily accessible brain file to pull out anytime I want. Here's the speech. You'll notice I took a few themes I've written about before and wove them together to give these students a message I think is important for every person in the health and medical fields to hear. Enjoy!

"Pull Them into the Sun"   Speech by Virginia Montanez

This is not a speech about Mister Rogers.

[pause]

Let's talk about Mister Rogers.

In 1983 — I would have been nine — Please don't do the math … in 1983, Mister Rogers published a book that included the iconic quote I know you've heard in this fraught world: "Look for the helpers."

He instructed parents on how to help their children through scary times, particularly when the news was filled with fearful things. His message was simple: When you're scared. When you're anxious. When things are bigger than you … look for the helpers; that's where the comfort lies.

But let's put a pin that because this is not a speech about Mister Rogers.

Nor is this a speech about me.

[pause]

Let's talk about me.

I've been profoundly hearing impaired since birth— for the audiologists among you, bilateral profound sensori-neural hearing loss with a reverse slope. Hereditary. [look to father in audience] Thank you, Dad.

It has further deteriorated as I've lived this beautiful, painful life. If you did the math, you know at what age I stand before you with nearly all of my hearing gone. Without my aids, I no longer hear voices, not even my own. With them, I do pretty well.

You'd think being born into a supportive family that never made me feel weak or limited would have meant I'd develop a healthy relationship with my disability. On the surface, I'd claim as much for decades. This is me! This is my disability! I am not ashamed!

Inside? Well, inside I lived a life mostly trying to pass as hearing and when I failed at it, shame swirled around me. Mocking me as I relegated myself to the shadows.

That was my existence. Surface: pride. Underneath, in the shadows: embarrassment and shame.

Then Covid came along. Who was ready for that? Not one of us.

The thing about me is that if you need someone who uses lipreading as such a crutch that she can tell you what supportive affirmations Mike Tomlin is saying to his men on the sidelines; what profanity Mike Sullivan is shouting at the blind refs; what Tom Brady was whining to his teammates about, I am your girl. I'll give it to you word for word.

However, if someone bet you a million dollars about whether I would understand one sentence spoken to me from a foot away by a facemasked individual, my friends, do not take that bet. You will lose and I will feel bad.

Masking, while necessary, further relegated me to the shadows of life. No more volunteering. No more events. I said no to so many things I wanted to do because my ability to communicate had been taken away. Stress was my constant companion in every interaction in every store or business. Weakness. Embarrassment. Frustration. This was my new existence.

Then I took my daughter to a new dentist about six months into the pandemic. She was 14. Autistic. I was newly divorced. Alone. No partner to help guide me through interactions.

When the masked dentist, a young man in his 30s, came to the lobby and began to, I assume, discuss her treatment plan with me … I couldn't pass or pretend. And I had to know what he was saying to me. So I did something I'd never done before. From within the shadows, I held up a hand. "Please. Wait. I'm deaf and read lips. I can't understand what you're saying."

Stop. Breathe. Wait. Let the shame swirl.

He held up a finger and then walked away, leaving me there in my frustration that this was my COVID life. When he returned, he handed me a notepad near the top of which he had written a word that changed my life.

"Hi." Exclamation mark. And he had written, "I am Dr. Tellin!" and everything he had been going to say to me.

The "hi." Wow. The "hi" dissipated the swirling fog of shame and it let me focus on something I had never recognized before but I'm now certain many had shown me: grace.

I'm a follower of the gospel of Fred Rogers and I had not done what he told me to do. When things were bigger than me. When I was scared. Anxious. Look for the helpers. With that one word, taking the time to show me he wanted to communicate with me, not just list some random bullet points, I saw the grace the dentist offered and I took it. I finally saw the helper though I hadn't looked for one.

I learned the truth from that one word. This isn't shameful. This is me. I cannot make myself hear, but others can extend grace enough to make themselves understood. And from that day on, I do not hesitate. When I can't hear, I say it. I look for the helper. Wait for the grace. Most times it's there.

That dentist changed my life for the better, for always.

With that seemingly small thing–- two letters. One punctuation mark. He took my hand and pulled me out of the shadows and into the sun. That's where I'll stay forever, my face warm with the grace he showed me.

But this is not a speech about me.

This, Panthers, is a speech about you.

By virtue of what you have chosen to study, you have made the choice to be a helper. Hear me when I tell you that you can't understand what it's like to not hear unless you can't hear. You can't understand what it's like for an athlete to be faced with a career-ending injury, unless you have experienced that. You can't understand what it's like to be robbed of your ability to communicate or walk, unless yours is taken from you.

It is not your understanding we seek or need; it is your grace. It is your being the safe place where shame lifts. It is us looking for someone who sees our need and makes that one small effort that pulls us into the sun. Makes our going easier. Your grace turns us into fighters.

Many of you will encounter so much need, both physical and emotional, for the rest of your careers. Who should fill the need when it's you who recognizes it? Well, if you're looking for a sign … my friends, I am standing right here shouting it at you in neon … I am your sign.

The sign reads as this:

If you see the need, YOU fill the need.

If you see they're feeling small and looking for the helpers, YOU be the helper.

Even when a patient doesn't realize they need it, YOU be the grace. Be the person who removes the shame. Be the person who with a wave of your hand, with the scribbling of your pen, erases years of stress. YOU be the one who pulls them into the sun.

These are not your marching orders. These are your living orders and they all start with one simple two-letter word.

Hi.

Congratulations on your dedication and hard work.

But your work has just begun.

Hail to Fred Rogers. Hail to the dentist. Hail to the helpers.

Hail to Pitt.

Image
 
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© 2023 Virginia Montanez
548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104
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Fwd: SSSNA E-Blast - Meet the candidates May 9


Neighborhood News from around the Slopes
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Meet the Candidates: Tuesday, May 9




Hear from the candidates running in the primary election (election is May 16) at the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association's general meeting on Tuesday, May 9. 

MEETING DETAILS
  • Date: Tuesday, May 9, 7 to 8 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).
  • Location: Kollar Club, 3226 Jane Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. 
     
Download/share the flyer (PDF)
 
 

Clean up the Slopes: May 3


Join us this Wednesday for our monthly community clean-up.

Meet at Bandi Schaum Community Garden at 6 p.m. for an hour or so of clean up. All are welcome!

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Fwd: You're invited to The Ripple Effect in Los Angeles!



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Diversity In Aquatics <info@diversityinaquatics.org>

DIA Fundraising Event, "The Ripple Effect"


Dear Mark,

Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) is excited to invite you to our fundraising event, "The Ripple Effect," on May 6th from 2pm to 5pm PT, taking place on the beach at the Jamaica Bay Inn in Marina del Rey, California.

Sponsored by Speedo Swim United, this event aims to support our work promoting water safety, research, education, and access to aquatics for all.

At DIA, we believe that everyone should have access to water-based activities and sports, and we are committed to making this a reality. Unfortunately, statistics show that nearly six out of 10 African American, Hispanic, and Latino children are unable to swim, compared to just three out of 10 Caucasian children. This disparity puts this population of children at a greater risk of drowning and limits their access to the benefits of water activities.

"The Ripple Effect" is an opportunity to make a positive change in our country and celebrate our progress towards this goal. The event will feature music, drinks, dancing, and more, and all proceeds will go directly to funding awareness, safety, and access to aquatics.

We have sponsorship opportunities available, and every dollar helps. So if you can't make it, consider supporting our mission with a simple online donation

We are thrilled to partner with Speedo Swim United and Jamaica Bay Inn for this event. By working together, we can make a tangible impact in the lives of children and families across the nation.

To learn more about "The Ripple Effect" or to make a donation, click here: https://diversityinaquatics.admpevents.com/

Thank you for your consideration, and we hope to see you at "The Ripple Effect."
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Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Fwd: FYI and to share where appropriate



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Shawn Slevin <shawn.slevin@swimstrongfoundation.org>
Date: Tue, Apr 25, 2023 at 8:26 PM
Subject: FYI and to share where appropriate

Join our Bootcamp with Olympian Breeja Larson Now!

Join our Breaststroke Bootcamp

with Olympian Breeja Larson

Please join our Breaststroke Bootcamp with gold-medalist Breeja Larson on Monday, May 1 at 5:30 pm at Bushwick High School to learn how to fine-tune your stroke from one of the best!

Breeja Larson won a gold medal at the 2012 London Games in the 4x100-meter medley relay and placed sixth in the individual 100-meter breaststroke.

She swam for Texas A&M at the collegiate level from 2011-2014. She placed second in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke in 2011 at the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships, and she was the national champion in the 100-meter breaststroke in 2012. 

FOLLOW US

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Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark@Rauterkus.com 
Webmaster, International Swim Coaches Association, SwimISCA.org
Executive Director of SKWIM USA, a 501(c)(3), SKWIM.us
Coach at The Ellis School for Varsity & Middle School Swimming
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team & Renegades (Masters) 
Sports Complex Director & Coach at Montour Heights Country Club

412 298 3432 = cell

Fwd: New Race Maps for the Habitat Pittsburgh Youth Triathlon ...and a $5 Discount!

----- Forwarded message ---------
From: Habitat Pittsburgh Youth Triathlon <info@pittsburghhabitat.org>
Date: Tue, Apr 25, 2023 at 1:19 PM
Subject: New Race Maps for the Habitat Pittsburgh Youth Triathlon ...and a $5 Discount!



View this email in your browser
Habitat Pittsburgh Youth Triathlon

save $5 using coupon code YT23A

view refreshed course maps, get race details, and register on the new youth tri website

race details
register now
The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh Youth Triathlon has a new Run Section of the Race Course for improved safety and increased visibility for family spectators. View it now on our interactive Race Course Map available at the event's new website, HabitatYouthTri.com(note: interactive map not available on mobile browsers)

The 2023 Youth Triathlon will be Saturday, July 22nd at the North Park Swimming Pool for ages 7-15. The race is for young athletes of all ability levels—as long as they can swim, bike, and run on their own.

Athletes receive a t-shirt to tie-dye at the event, a medal for finishing, and more! Trophies are awarded to the top 3 girl and boy finishers in each age bracket. Click the buttons above for more information and to register! 

check out our refreshed race course maps, featuring a new run section

Race Course Maps

the youth triathlon is operated by and supports

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh
Habitat Pittsburgh is a nonprofit that provides decent, affordable homeownership and home repair opportunities for low-to moderate-income families. OUR MISSION is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope in Allegheny County. OUR VISION is a world where everyone has a decent place to call home. Click here to learn more about our service and impact.
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Copyright © 2023 Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you expressed interest in receiving information about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.

Our mailing address is:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh
6435 Frankstown Ave Ste 100
Pittsburgh, PA 15206-4055


Monday, April 24, 2023

Fwd: [Art-All-Night] Art All Night Needs Your Help

-- Forwarded message ---------
From: Art All Night <cfa@artallnight.org>
Date: Mon, Apr 24, 2023 at 8:12 PM
Subject: [Art-All-Night] Art All Night Needs Your Help



The 26th annual Art All Night is this weekend! We are back along the Allegheny river front at the 31st Street Studios (enter on 31st street)!

Volunteers are desperately needed for this weekend's events. We have shifts as short as two hours and you are welcome to sign up for more than one shift.

We welcome and appreciate whatever time you are able to volunteer. If you're a night owl, please consider signing up during the late night shifts! We'll provide caffeinated beverages, water, and snacks throughout the night.

You can see what jobs and shifts are available on the volunteer section of our website: https://www.artallnight.org/volunteer-signup/

All volunteers get a free t-shirt and are in a perfect position to keep enjoying all that Art All Night has to offer before and after their shift.

See you at the show!

_______

Art-All-Night mailing list
Art-All-Night@artallnight.org
https://mail.artallnight.org/mailman/listinfo/art-all-night