His wish is to swim at the NCAA level and live life in the cattle business.
Right now, John Mitchell swims for the Bakersfield College team.
“I’m a swimmer, and I’m deaf,” signed Mitchell as Lindsey Fuente translated what he signed.
“The deaf can do anything,” signed Mitchell. “Everybody is equal, even if they have a disability.”
Mitchell is an animal science major who has plenty of ideas for the future. He wants to be in rodeos, teach children to swim and have cattle shows.
Though Mitchell was born deaf, his lifestyle is not very different from other college students.
“It’s kind of nice being deaf,” signed Mitchell, “I learned English, learned to read, I hang out with friends, I have hobbies, it’s the things people do.”
While growing up, not being able to hear did have some consequences. “Kids did make fun of me for being different,” he said. “In high school many were very immature, they all mainly concentrated in being popular.”
Once Mitchell reached college, there was more communication among fellow students.
The only thing that can help Mitchell from hearing is the cochlear implant. “I think it’s our genes,” that has caused Mitchell to be deaf.
Mitchell really got into swimming as a high school student.
“Right now I’m not focused in places,” signed Mitchell. “I’m mainly focused in improving my time.”
Mitchell considers it a huge accomplishment if he makes it to a Division 1 school.
The BC swim team has been absent for about 20 years and because of a new interest in swimming, the new team will eventually win a championship.
“Charlie and Danielle are great coaches,” signed Mitchell, “I’m always willing to help people who need help, to encourage them to succeed.”