Amplifying voices: Anderson’s raises funds for advocacy project
Manteca High junior Kylie Anderson is working to raise awareness and support for the Miss Manteca Deaf Advocacy Project. Like those she wishes to help, Anderson suffers from hearing loss. (Photo contributed)
By LEILANY ARANDA
The Tower
Manteca High junior Kylie Anderson is working to raise awareness and support for the Miss Manteca Deaf Advocacy Project. Like those she wishes to help, Anderson suffers from hearing loss. (Photo contributed)
When you step foot onto campus, it’s hard to miss Kylie Anderson, Manteca High’s incumbent ASB president.
She’s constantly moving with a presence that that naturally draws people in. Anderson is always around, keeping others in line and encouraging a positive environment with her friendly tone and a smile you’ll never forget. She is recognizable because of how involved she is in leadership and activism.
Her desire to help others extends just beyond Manteca High School.
Her voice carries the same strength as her actions, every word she speaks turns challenges into opportunities, as she works tirelessly to raise awareness for the Miss Manteca Deaf Advocacy Project. Anderson’s influence isn’t just seen, it’s felt, leaving an imprint on the community she is so passionately shaping.
“She’s very skilled when It comes to getting stuff down,” Manteca High Leadership student Briana Perez said. “Her presence overall is like a warm spot for anyone to feel safe in because of how influential and motivational she is. She’s always offering her assistance.”
The advocacy project raises money for kids who are experiencing hearing loss and speech impediments throughout San Joaquin Valley — just as Anderson did when she was just a child.
Anderson suddenly lost her hearing at 7 years old. Afterwards, she attended the RiteCare Speech Pathology Clinic, which taught her how to read lips and use basic sign language. Eventually, she underwent two surgeries, receiving Cochlear implants which she uses today and have become symbols for her story.
Upon entering the Manteca Youth Focus scholarship competition, she was encouraged to pursue a community advocacy project that reflected her values and interests, giving her the opportunity to give back to a program that helped her at such critical moments in her hearing journey.
After becoming Miss Pumpkin Fair, she worked with the RiteCare Clinic to film a promotional program speaking on their behalf at a banquet. Today, Anderson has raised more than $900 for the clinic.
“Filming the promotional video was definitely the moment where I realized I could truly make an impact,” Anderson said. “My experiences with hearing loss have pushed me further to defeat all odds and become an advocate for those in need.”
Hearing loss is typically a hard thing to overcome. It has its challenges and setbacks that can be demoralizing to a teenager. For Anderson, those challenges have only made her stronger and allowed her to value communication and collaboration.
While some people attempt to hide their stories, Anderson shares hers every day through her Cochlear implants. She is a constant symbol for activism and embracing who you are to help others gain the same confidence.