An inspiring Early Years and Education student from Solihull College and University Centre is setting his sights on a career supporting children with hearing loss, drawing on his own lived experience to make a positive difference.
Shoaib Khan, 21, has been deaf since birth. He struggled to communicate when he was younger and found school life tough until he learnt British Sign Language.
Things changed when he was five, when he had cochlear implants fitted to make his hearing more manageable. Shoaib says the change had a huge impact on his life:
“I started to learn a few words, and my English improved, and I started to talk a lot. I found that I had more friends, and my social life improved.”
Shoaib began his studies at the college’s Woodlands Campus, taking his Level 2 Early Years courses with the aim of becoming a teaching assistant. He has since progressed onto the Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Diploma.
He says working with children has always been his ambition:
“This would be the perfect role for me, as I have a good understanding of what deaf children are going through. I can interact with them on their level, which means I have good relationships, and they can bond with me.”
Shoaib with Claire Whatmore, Deaf Support Co-ordinator at the college and Christine Mason, Shoaib’s Communication Support Worker. Image: Supplied.Shoaib has completed 120 hours of work placements, including supporting students at Brays Special School, where he is now applying for a role:
“I want to be a deaf role model for the young children and show them you can do anything and not be held back by your hearing loss. My parents are so proud of what I have achieved, and I can’t wait to share my experience with deaf students.”
Claire Whatmore, Deaf Support Co-ordinator at the college, says Shoaib is an inspiration:
“Shoaib has worked so hard and is an amazing deaf role model. It’s so encouraging to see how the pupils react to him. He is proving that anything is possible.”
Christine Mason, Shoaib’s Communication Support Worker, says she is proud of what he has achieved so far:
“This is my first year in this role, and we have been on a learning journey together. He is an amazing student, and I can’t wait to see how he progresses onto the next stage of his working life.”
