ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Sometimes in life, just asking for help is the first step a person needs to take to change their life.
In this Zevely Zone, I went to Escondido where a man with a hearing impairment hopes the world is listening.
When John-Paul Damante reached out to me for career advice, I didn't know what to say but I thought to myself maybe I could share his story.
"That is me as a baby," said John-Paul while showing me pictures of his childhood.
When he was 18 months old, John-Paul lost his hearing.
"That was a mystery," said John-Paul.
All of these years later, he still doesn't know why he became deaf but it didn't stop him from experiencing an amazing childhood filled with family trips, sports and smiles.
"Yep, always smiling," said John-Paul.
At 11 years old, John-Paul received Cochlear Implants which provided a sense of sound. "I never felt different. I am just one of my peers," said John-Paul.
At Valley Center High School, John Paul was in the National Honor Society and voted the most inspirational.
I told him, "You strike me as someone who doesn't see himself as a victim."
He responded with a laugh and said, "Not at all!"
Which brings us to why I wanted to air this story about John-Paul's life.
"Alright so this is my office, this is where I work," said John-Paul.
He's now 36 years old and works full-time from home. "It's just me here. I don't have anybody that I work with," said John-Paul.
He proofreads for a software company and although he's grateful for the job, it's very isolating.
"I need to be with people. I need to get out there and be with somebody," said John-Paul.
As I stood in his small office I thought, if those walls could talk they'd tell you John-Paul needs a new challenge and opportunity. His parents are hoping for the same.
"I think the hardest thing for him is for people to give him a chance," said his mother Ursula.
She and her husband Angelo are proud of their son for conquering every challenge placed before him.
"I would hope that people would see and hear his story and understand what he is capable of doing and what he's already done," said Angelo.
Yet, after graduating from the University of San Diego in four years with a Communications degree, John-Paul yearns for so much more.
"I have yet to feel fulfilled," said John-Paul because he knows there's so much more he could do with his life. "What makes me the happiest is to help other people."
Unfortunately, opportunities have been few and far between.
"It's not a good feeling because I know what he is capable of," said his mother. When I asked what she thought her son was capable of, she told me "Anything, ha, there isn't anything that holds him back."
John-Paul would love to be a motivational speaker. I asked him what his message he would give be to others living with hearing impairments. "He or she is not alone," said John-Paul.
The sign on the door to his home office reads, "Do Not Disturb", but that's all John Paul wants.
He yearns for someone to knock on his door and give him a chance. "I am somebody who needs to be with other people. That's what I crave to be with other people because I know there is so much more I can offer," said John-Paul.
He is hoping his story will resonate with someone who will reach out with a new opportunity. Here are links to his contact information:
Email: damante.johnpaul@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnpauldamante
Instagram: @jp.damante
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnpauldamante