'Never give up': Hearing impairment has never stopped Eureka teen from following dreams
Eureka High School junior Ryan Fuller has overcome a lot of obstacles in young life. But he still serves as a role model to his classmates and community.
Fuller, a two-sport athlete — playing both football and baseball at Eureka — has been hearing impaired since he was 3 years old. But its never slowed him down.
"I've had a lot of support from my community, and I have just never been treated differently than the other kids," Fuller said. "I've always fit in."
Fuller started losing his hearing around age 3. His right ear began to suffer first — he says he can't really hear out of it at all. In second grade, he began to lose hearing in his left ear, as well. Today, he requires hearing aids in both ears.
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Last year he did a commercial with his audiologist from Bloomington. That commercial got him recognized by Oticon, a brand that makes hearing aids. Now, he is nominated as one of Oticon's Student Standouts nationwide.
"It would be amazing because it's really hard to (win the award) and I want to be able to donate to St. Jude," Fuller said. "That means a lot to the town of Eureka, we had a couple of classmates pass away this summer and it would just be amazing to donate to that and support a good cause."
He plays right guard and defensive tackle for the Eureka High football team. In the spring, he pitches and plays first base for the baseball team.
Playing offensive line requires lots of communication between linemen to organize blocking.
"I usually use my eyes a lot and overcommunication is our key," Fuller said. "Always making sure with the guy to my left and guy to my right, always asking questions. Watching the ball on defense and asking questions on offense."
Fuller wants to be an orthopedic surgeon and hopes to attend college somewhere close to home. He was inspired to pursue that career path after he tore his ACL, MCL and PCL playing football his sophomore season.
"I like the fixer-up aspect of the medical field instead of seeing casualties and things like that," Fuller said. "I want to fix people up."
Fuller wants others with hearing impairments to know this:
"To other kids who are hearing impaired or have a disability, you can always overcome your issues," Fuller said. "Even if you stick out, it's a good thing. Never give up. Failing is a part of life, but you get 1% better every time."
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Ryan Fuller of Eureka nominated for national student award
