Cora Shahid

 
Where I live San Diego, California (North Inland)
Family Info Naseer and I have 2 wonderful children. We have a 16-year-old hearing daughter; her name is Hana (AKA Christina). And a soon to be 3 year old deaf son and his name is Zain. We are truly Blessed!
Where my deaf child attends school (TBA ) Zain does not attend a preschool program as of yet.
How I felt when it sunk in that my child doesn’t hear I was SHOCKED! It still shocks me once in a while that I have a deaf son! Read on, you will read why!
What having a deaf child has brought to my life My son has given be too many things to list. My son is happy, funny, shy, athletic little boy. I love being a mother more than anything else. He is helping me get out of my shell and stop being SO Shy! Because

of my son I have met countless wonderful people that I would have never met otherwise. Thanks Zain! Mommy Loves you!

My advice to other parents In the early days/months we are busy talking to as many people as we can and reading everything we can get our hands on. I think the most important thing to remember is to slow down. Just love and play with your little one, time passes SO fast! Before you know it, they are in High School and you have no idea where the time went! And be Flexible. Watch your kids, see what works for them and don’t be pressured by others. Everyone has opinions, Trust your own Gut!
My deaf child’s biggest milestone(s) My son is a Happy 2 year old who exceeds all of my expectations!
Year I joined IMPACT I joined IMPACT 2005 and joined the Board at the 2006 Conference.
Someone I remember from my first conference Friday Night my husband, our infant son and myself sat down to listen to the presentation and introduced ourselves to the family sitting next to us, Raul and Bambi Majorado. (Do you two remember that?)
Why I joined the board To make a difference for my child and every other DHH child in California. To show my son that I care enough to actually do something &…TO HAVE FUN! (And I am having Fun! Thanks Board for putting up with my many e-mails and me!) (Oh! Lori, Apryl & Irene might have had something to do with it too)
My role models, mentors, heroes and inspirers in this journey Deaf adults and deaf children. My childhood friends in Wichita.

All of Zain’s Early Start Teachers, I will forever be grateful to you! Thank you Linda Campbell, Michelle, Carol MacAllister, Gwen Suennen and Laurie Russell. And last but not least, Irene Tecson, Thanks for being there for me in the early days (parent links)

Outside of parenting a deaf child, I also… (hobbies) Balancing time to parent my 16-year-old daughter. My Hobbies? Yeah Right! J Drinking Coffee…… Does that count as a Hobby???
And a little about my education, work or career… I grew up in Wichita Kansas. After High school I took Some College Courses until I begin working as an Interpreter for the Deaf at Wichita State University. I also worked as a preschool teacher during the afternoon. I moved to Torrance, Calif. in Aug.1996. Then taught at a Montessori School for 7 years till Zain was born. Now I’m a Stay at home Mommy, and loving everyday of it! (Most days anyway J )
And my final words… If you happen to live in the area, lets get together for a play date. mamacora@tmail.com. Also, Consider joining the IMPACT board! It’s Loads of Fun and most rewarding! Come to the general IMPACT meeting Sunday at 8am for more information. Everyone has something they can give and no experience necessary! See you there!