#MyStammerStory: Finding My Voice by Georgie Silo

My Journey with Stammering

I’ve had my stammer since the age of 2. It has impacted my life in many ways, and there have been ups and downs along the way. Some days, I forget my stammer is there, and on others, it feels like it completely takes over. But the turning point in my life came when I was 10 years old and visited the Michael Palin Centre.

At the Centre, I met other children who stammered just like me, and for the first time, something clicked – I wasn’t alone. This realization gave me so much hope and confidence, and I’m still close friends with many of the people I met there, even ten years later. That experience, along with therapy, changed my life and helped me discover my passion for helping others.

It was this inspiration that led me to complete my first year of Speech and Language Therapy at university, where I achieved a CHE level 4. I’ve also had the privilege of being part of the Youth Panel for Action for Stammering Children (ASC) for nearly five years now. I’ve come so far, and now, I want to give back to those who helped me on my journey.

School, Work, and Growing into Myself

Growing up, there were times when I felt defeated by my stammer. I would come home from school upset, wishing I didn’t have it and longing to speak “normally” like other children. I was afraid to raise my hand in class for fear of stammering, and in primary school, some children would copy my speech, which made me withdraw even more.

But things began to change when I started college and then university. I started to grow into myself and become more confident. That said, Covid brought new challenges. Wearing face masks made it harder for people to understand me, and I was often asked to repeat myself. It was frustrating, but I didn’t let it hold me back.

When I entered the world of work, I faced new hurdles, especially when it came to phone calls. However, I was lucky to work in a supportive environment where I felt comfortable, and as a result, I barely stammered. I made amazing friends, and that support meant the world to me.

Now, I work with children, and although my stammer has resurfaced a bit this year due to different circumstances, I refuse to let it stop me. When I walk into work and I’m greeted with hugs from the little ones and called a “best friend,” it reminds me why I’m there. It’s their smiles and joy that keep me going.

My stammer makes me who I am, and over time, I’ve learned to love and accept it. It’s a part of me, and I’ve grown to treat it delicately.

Why I’m Sharing My Story

I wanted to share my story because I believe that people who stammer do have a voice, and it’s important to use it. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to, even if there are challenges along the way. I want people to know they are not alone in this journey – there is light at the end of the tunnel, and things do get better.

Stammering has even opened up opportunities for me that I never expected. I’ve met incredible people along the way, and it’s taught me so much about resilience, patience, and self-acceptance. So, if you have a stammer, don’t let it stop you. Keep dreaming, keep setting goals, and don’t give up on what you want to achieve.

I’ve learned to love my stammer, and I hope by sharing my story, others can feel inspired to embrace theirs too.