Written by Tanya Terry
Flint Resident Rozeita Thomas recently became one of five recipients of a free Dell laptop given by the Flint Courier News, made possible through Comcast. Comcast and the Courier gave the laptops away as part of a contest in which contest entrants told the Courier why they needed the laptops. The winners were notified around Cyber Monday and interviewed before the Christmas holiday.
Thomas is profoundly deaf and attended public school. She communicated with the Courier through email or Facebook Messenger. According to Thomas, she and her siblings have all worn hearing aids, and they acquired having hearing defects from their dad.
“My doctors wanted me to go to Michigan School for the Deaf,” Thomas explained. “But I was very adapted to reading lips. Hearing aids are of some help to me. I don’t know sign language.”
Despite what she called “limitations,” Thomas is determined to get more up on technology to stay updated on the news and in touch with family and friends.
She is inspired by the accomplishments of her brother.
“We all had hearing defects,” she said. “Mine was worst. My brother became a doctor of eduction: MSU Dr. Charles Beady Jr.”
Thomas finds enjoyment in babysitting her grandkids, gardening and feeling bass. She is sad when she thinks about missing things like hearing whispers, birds singing and water dripping. But she greatly enjoys feeling bass.
“Bass vibrates. So you’re drawn to it.”
Thomas said computers have always been hard for her. She thinks it’s because she is more right brained. She is confused by terms like “cut and paste” when a computer is involved, and she would like to take an enlightening class.
Thomas explained why she need the laptop and how she felt when she was told she would receive one.
“Being hearing impaired, it’s a way to tackle some things that are kind of hard these days otherwise,” she said. “I poured my heart and soul into wanting a computer when I came across this article concerning computers. I put my feelings to the forefront and everything came from my heart as to my feelings.”
Thomas said she I was just about to enquire about the laptop give away, which she had done before, when she was notified that I was getting a free laptop.
“I soared,” she said.” It’s an incredible giveaway and to be gifted like this with something I have wanted for so long. I’m eternally grateful and sooo thankful. Thank you!
