I guess my biggest cheerleaders who helped me learn outside of my parents were my paternal grandparents and a maternal great aunt. I didn't really have a teacher who was interested in teaching a person with hearing loss so my school teachers, I don't hold in the highest regard. My Maternal grandparents also encouraged reading. It is something I still actively do.
My great aunt taught me to read and explore. She encouraged me to read her collection of National Geographics and explore the world to learn different ideas and cultures. I even picked up a few foreign words here and there. I am still a geography and culture geek to this day! :-)
My paternal grandparents encouraged me to learn about the natural world by observing and reading. They were also music fans. Granted, It was polka, torch, and country music but I was still taught to keep an open mind. It wasn't a bad thing either, it allowed me to be curious about other music genres as I grew older.
Going to plays with a dear friend and his twin sister. He passed away but I kept my appreciation of the performing arts. Still cant listen to one Sondheim song yet without absolving into tears. He used to sing it. Still have a tough time with with Little Night Music and especially the song, SEnd in the Clowns. He used to sing it, albeit off key.
To a dear cousin who introduced me to the BBC. The BBC allowed me to listen to broadcasts and gain a different perspective. It also allowed me to gain respect for other perspectives.
