Graduation Tales | “I want to show that Deafness is beautiful

The International Convention Centre Wales in Newport has once again seen thousands of our graduates cross the stage in their cap and gown. To celebrate, we are sharing the stories of some of our inspirational students.

Mareah Ali was born profoundly deaf, and was very shy growing up.

Now, as she graduates from the University of South Wales with a first-class honours degree in Photography, she says that the experience has helped her become confident and independent for the first time.

The 21-year-old, from Roath, was supported by a specialist unit for hearing impaired children at primary school and at Llanishen High School, which allowed her to stay in mainstream education.

After using hearing aids as a very young child, Mareah had a cochlear implant fitted at the age of five, and needed speech and language therapy to help her to re-learn how to talk.

“I was lucky to have always been in that supportive space – not all Deaf children have that,” she said.

“But it did mean that I was reliant on the teaching staff to help me with everything, and it wasn’t until I left sixth form at 18 that I realised I needed to gain some independence.”

Initially, Mareah considered taking a year out after leaving school, then the Covid-19 pandemic hit and halted her plans.

After attending a USW Open Day and being impressed by the creative industries courses and facilities on offer, she decided to apply for BA (Hons) Photography.

“Photography had always been a hobby; I hadn’t thought about becoming a professional photographer,” said Mareah. “But when I saw how many opportunities there were at USW, I went for it, and I’m so glad I did.”

Starting her studies in September 2020, Mareah was among thousands of students to attend lectures online, due to Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time – which was a tough way to begin student life.

“I found the first year very difficult, to the point where I actually considered dropping out,” she said.

“I don’t think I was fully ready for such a big step, from school to University, so I panicked and convinced myself I’d made the wrong decision.

“But I spoke to my parents and one of the lecturers, and they were so helpful, asking what they could do to help me get through it. They suggested I go back for my second year, and make a decision after the first term as to whether I still wanted to drop out, to change course or to continue. Their encouragement to keep going meant the world to me.

“The hardest thing about starting the course during the pandemic, however, was not getting to mix with my course mates very much, as I’ve always struggled to put myself out there and make friends. But that has improved with time; I’ve become much more confident during my final year. I was able to get to know people in the rest of the cohort and we have become really close friends.”

During her second year, Mareah was faced with contacting industry professionals to organise a work placement – something that was completely out of her comfort zone.

“I knew I loved photography but I didn’t know where to start when it came to planning a career,” she said.

“So I thought about my deafness, and how much I’d like to speak to people in the deaf community.

“I found a theatre company called Taking Flight, which is an inclusive community for people with disabilities. I met them online and we communicated using sign language, which immediately took me back to what I used to be part of when I was younger.

“I was excited to get to know them. I went along to take photos of their shows, and built up a great relationship with them. I really didn’t think my insecurities would have made that possible, so I’m proud of myself for reaching out to them.”

Mareah also met with Jonny Cotsen, a deaf actor based at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, who was organising a Deaf Together event to showcase the creative voices of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people across the UK.

“The Deaf Together event was a great experience to be part of, as I got to meet lots of people in the community and be inspired by their performances. It was a safe space in a way, as I was among so many others just like me.”