Life
Donna’s Diary, Deaf World, Career/Work, Food, Blogging Tips, Personal Growth, Money + Finance, Travel
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Deaf People Are “Behind” in Education — Not Because We’re Slow, But Because the System Failed Us
Too many people look at Deaf students and assume we’re not smart. They see gaps in our reading levels, test scores, or graduation rates and jump to the wrong conclusion: that Deafness equals deficiency. But they don’t see the why. They don’t see the years we spent fighting just to access basic education. They don’t see the barriers built around us — invisible to hearing people but suffocatingly real to us. They don’t see that while hearing kids were learning, many of us were trying to survive. Let’s be clear from the start: Deaf people are not broken. The education system is. A System Built Without Us Education in most…
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2025 Blog Posts
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2025 Blog Posts
January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025
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The Ultimate Reset: 21-Day Mind, Body, and Home Detox to Start Fresh This Spring
Spring has finally arrived — and with it, the promise of renewal. After months of short days, heavy meals, and sluggish routines, it’s natural to feel foggy, drained, and a little stuck. I know I did. Winter left me running on empty — my mind cluttered, my body sluggish, and my home reflecting that same chaotic energy. I realized what I needed: a total life reset. That’s why I created this 21-day Spring Reset Plan. Spring is nature’s invitation to clear out what no longer serves us. Trees shed old leaves, flowers push through the soil, and animals emerge from hibernation. We’re no different. This season symbolizes detoxification and fresh…
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TikTok Deaf Creators Are Thriving — Join Us Today!
Just a heads-up: If you use my link to join TikTok, I might earn a little bonus — but it won’t cost you anything. It’s just a fun way to support me while you explore something new! I’ve been on TikTok for a while, but recently I’ve become even more inspired — not just by the content, but by the incredible TikTok Deaf creators showing up, signing proudly, and building powerful communities. It’s been amazing to see how TikTok gives Deaf voices a visual platform to truly shine. While exploring this space, I also came across something called the Purple Ticket — a referral program that lets you earn fun…
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Everyday Water-Based Makeup Routine for a Fresh, Lightweight Look
Everyday Water-Based Makeup Routine for a Fresh, Lightweight Look In today’s fast-paced world, many seek a makeup routine that offers a natural, breathable finish without compromising on coverage. Water-based makeup provides a solution, delivering hydration and a lightweight feel ideal for daily wear. Why Choose Water-Based Makeup? Water-based makeup is formulated primarily with water, making it lighter and more breathable than oil or silicone-based products. This type of makeup is especially beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it tends to be non-comedogenic and less likely to clog pores. Additionally, water-based products often contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, promoting skin health while providing coverage. What…
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I Went Back to College 8 Years Later – Was It the Right Choice?
When I first left college in my early twenties, I had no clear vision of what I wanted from life. I wasn’t chasing dreams, and I wasn’t building anything. I was just trying to survive. School had felt like a box I was supposed to check off, a path I was told to follow. I didn’t have financial support, I didn’t have stable housing, and I didn’t have the luxury of being myself. I now realize how closely my experience mirrored that of someone raised in foster care—a sense of being raised well enough to stay out of trouble, but never really prepared for life outside the bubble. No one…
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Capstone Project
Reflecting on My Senior Capstone Journey: From Personal Stories to Empowerment As I prepare for my Senior Presentation, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey this Capstone project has taken me on. Over the past months, I’ve shared stories that were deeply personal, honest, and sometimes difficult to write. Each blog post became part of my growth and helped shape not just my project, but me as a person. I started with my mental health story in “Surviving, Not Just Existing.” It was raw and real—something I knew others could relate to but don’t always talk about. Then, I explored what happens after survival in “Personal Growth: Why…
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Coming Soon: A Candid Interview with Ashley from Good Energy Salon
A Salon Expereince Like No Others: Catching up with Ashley from Good Energy Salon! Hey friends! I’ve been holding this one close for a while now, but it’s time to share something special that’s been on my heart. This summer 2025, I’ll be sitting down with the incredibly talented Ashley, the Deaf hairstylist and powerhouse behind Good Energy Salon Don’t Miss the Full Interview! The full blog post featuring Ashley from Good Energy Salon is dropping this summer—and it’s going to be so worth the wait. If you want to be the first to know when it goes live, make sure you’re on my email list. ✨ Subscribe here: You’ll…
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Personal Growth: Why It Matters and How It Can Change Your Life?
Personal growth. It sounds big. It sounds like work. It is work—but it’s also worth it. Whether you’re Deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing, personal growth is something we all experience. Sometimes it’s loud. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes we don’t even know it’s happening until we look back and realize, “Wow. I’ve really changed.” This blog post is your starting point. Your landing page. The hub for everything personal growth on The Life of Donna. Here, we’ll break down what personal growth is, why it matters, and how it can make a real difference in your life. Let’s start from the top. What Is Personal Growth? Personal growth is the…
