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Carol M Creasey.

                               Life is Hard Enough, Especially if You Stammer

That is something we all say at times, because during our life we have periods of time when all is going well, and then whoops bang, we all fall down, and things become hard. Sometimes it is of our own doing, a bad decision, a rash move, maybe we invest in something that does not reap any reward or benefit, or  we simply  say or do the wrong thing.

But what about people who have difficulties in life? How much harder it is for them. If you are not as bright as someone else, you may apply for a job, but will you get it? A would be employer would just shake his head and say. ” I am a businessman I need to pick the best person for the job.” But if someone is given the chance, even if they are not the brightest candidate, they would probably be just as hard working and loyal.

People who stammer have a great disadvantage,  because an interview situation is hard for them, it is sometimes assumed that they are less bright than others, which can be very frustrating, and totally wrong. Applying for a job is one thing,  filling out the application form is the easy part, but the interview holds many terrors for them.

Within the last 9 years, since his first appearance on Pop Idol, Gareth Gates has raised awareness of stammering, and taken away the shame which many sufferers felt. He took time off from his very busy career to enroll on the Mc Guire Programme, then studied to be an instructor, and became the youngest person to qualify as a Speech Coach. He has helped many fellow sufferers, and his example has proved that it’s possible to carry on with your life, and achieve your dream.

Many more people are coming forward now and seeking help from the Mc Guire Programme. It takes guts and determination, and I applaud these people, who do not sit and moan, they get out there and master their stammer. Well done to them all.