(A) In the late 1990s, a family visited the public elementary school where I taught deaf students. They said they would be moving to the district and planned to enroll their deaf daughter as a first grader. They were upset that their child’s kindergarten teacher cautioned them not to have high hopes for her academically. Based upon assessment results, the teacher painted a hopeless picture for (a) their little girl’s future. Standing behind them was Kathy, a beautiful fiveyearold with long shiny brown hair and dark flashing eyes. The whole time her parents were there, she didn’t make a sound or use sign language, even when her parents prompted her.
(B) That day Kathy discovered the power of the pen. From then on, she had a new appreciation for writing. She is a young woman now and has become an excellent writer, public speaker, and student leader. During (b) her senior year in high school, Kathy became the Douglas County Rodeo Queen, and the following year, she enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado to become a teacher. Kathy keeps in touch, and I especially treasure her emails with term papers attached. (c) This young lady wields a very powerful pen!
* wield: 잘 다루다, 휘두르다
(C) After a few weeks with Kathy, I discovered I was dealing with a very bright, very strongwilled child. Although I was able to engage (d) her in a variety of learning activities, writing was a constant struggle. I tried everything to interest her in writing class, but she would refuse to write anything.
(D) One day, Kathy got off her bus and stood in front of the school crying. The staff member there did not know enough sign language to ask her why she was crying. Finally, the staff member took Kathy into the office where she handed Kathy a pen and notepad. Kathy wrote: “PAC BAK.” Immediately (e) she realized the girl left her backpack on the bus. She called the bus back to school, and soon Kathy was reunited with her backpack.