If Jon Tai-Rakena wanted to, he could probably write a book about resilience. The 36-year-old has certainly had to overcome a fair share of hurdles - not only is Jon deaf, but he also suffered sexual abuse and bullying as a child. As a result, he was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression.
"It's been a long journey to get to where I am today and to develop a strong sense of self," admits Jon, who works as a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) tutor in Auckland and has recently started studying for a law degree.
The oldest of seven children, Jon lost his hearing after contracting meningitis when he was six months old. Although several family members learned to sign, life was tough for Hamilton-born Jon.
"I didn't have access to TV or radio because there weren't as many interpreters available as there are now. I missed out on a lot of information and conversations because I didn't know what was going on. I'd sit at the dinner table asking what family members were talking about and they would say, 'We'll tell you later, but they never did."
From the age of three, Jon suffered sexual abuse from family members, which led to suicidal thoughts.
"When I was about 13, nothing was going right for me," he recalls. "Along with the abuse and violence I experienced at home, I was also dealing with the possibility of being transgender.
Denne historien er fra April 21, 2024-utgaven av Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 21, 2024-utgaven av Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
JESS' TEARS OVER JUSTIN'S SHOCK ARREST!
Jessica Biel is reeling after her husband Justin Timberlake's shock arrest in the Hamptons during a night off from his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
NICHOLAS GALITZINE 'I WAS DRIPPING IN JEWELS!
The actor discusses working with Julianne Moore on Mary & George, from Wednesday on TVNZ+
JUDGE JAY-JAY
More FM radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
KIWI BROADWAY DARLING MY BATTLE WITH ANOREXIA
Theatre queen Scarlett reveals her behind-the-scenes struggle
EMMA'S PREGNANCY NIGHTMARE 'I SPENT ALL DAY VOMITING!'
The Matakana mum's morning sickness was so extreme, she was hospitalised 20 times
CHIEFS STAR EMONI'S HEALING JOURNEY
How family helped the rising rugby star bounce back from his shattered Rugby World Cup dreams
AMANDA KNOX'S NEW LIFE DOTING MUM & CRIME PODCASTER
From Italian prison to US podcast host, Amanda has reinvented herself in a big way
SHORTY STARS EMMETT & HOLLY'S HIDDEN HEARTBREAK
The acting duo reveal why a tragic loss has left them scared of starting a family
PIRIPI & STEPH WHAT REALLY HAPPENED!
The groom's TV confession left his bride reeling from the start
POSH & BECKS SECRET DIVORCE
A bombshell book has opened up painful wounds for the family