Xavier Castillo: A CCHAT Success Story – Overcoming Challenges and Finding Confidence

From Toddler to Teen: How CCHAT Empowered Xavier on His Journey to UC Davis

This fall, Xavier Castillo will pack up his belongings and start another life-changing journey as a freshman at UC Davis. For Xavier, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles is something he has become accustomed to.

His road from newly diagnosed CCHAT toddler to thriving young adult is one that has taught him many lessons, ones he is happy to share with current CCHAT families. His success serves as yet another reminder of both the power of CCHAT and the resilience of children within the program.

Cherished Memories: The Impact of CCHAT

While he has been gone from CCHAT for a decade, Xavier’s memories of the program remain crystal clear. Xavier knows that the dedication of his teachers, speech therapists, and support staff left an immense imprint on his formative years.

“I wasn’t speaking much at all when I first came to CCHAT,” Xavier said. “My friends and I still laugh to this day because I was a bit of a troublemaker and I wasn’t a good listener – I mean, not listening to instructions! But my teachers were very patient with me, which helped me be a better student.”

From his influential teachers like Ms. Karen and Ms. Janaé and the toys on the playground to the yearly Bike 4 Fun and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Xavier rattles off memories from his time at CCHAT with ease. Most importantly, he recognizes that CCHAT’s role in his life set the foundation for the success he now enjoys as a teenager. 

“Speech therapy at CCHAT helped improve my speech immensely,” Xavier said. “CCHAT taught me the values of being able to speak, listen, and communicate. It also helped me to be more confident, social, and show my pride with hearing loss.”

At age 8, Xavier was ready to join his neighborhood school. The connection he had formed with CCHAT was one he was fearful of leaving, but he felt equipped to handle the next stage of his journey.

“Joining my mainstream school was a little nerve-wracking because I was the only student with cochlear implants,” Xavier remembered. “But I was always happy to explain to anyone who was curious about how they worked because CCHAT had really given me all the tools I needed to help me get introduced to the hearing world.”

Facing New Challenges: Transitioning to Mainstream School

While Xavier felt prepared for the next step, there were some challenges awaiting him that he could not foresee.

“I used to be afraid of speaking up because I was too shy to mention my hearing disability to my teachers and peers,” Xavier said. “So as a consequence, I would end up missing out on important info in and outside of school. But by understanding what my cochlear implants are capable of, I was able to recognize what my strengths and weaknesses were.”

Another challenge for Xavier was one he had slightly less control over, but one he learned to take in stride.

“Facing judgment from strangers was a big thing for me. I have caught unwanted stares at my cochlear implants many times,” Xavier said. “I was not easily offended by it because not everyone is educated about it, so sometimes my cochlear implants are looked at with curiosity. If I was faced with harsh judgement, I learned to stop caring about what other people thought. I learned to love my hearing loss because that makes me who I am.”

Xavier’s positive attitude was boosted by CCHAT’s mainstream support system. Even though he was no longer attending CCHAT’s campus, staff members from the program would visit Xavier to ensure he was receiving adequate support in the classroom. 

“(CCHAT teacher) Ms. Taci would come to my school to review my accommodations for the school settings,” Xavier said. “I utilized a microphone, which is called the HAT (hearing-assistive technology) system, to help me hear directly and loudly. I slowly understood what was needed to help me be successful in my classrooms, and I no longer felt shy to be direct with my teachers and peers about my needs.”

Finding Confidence: Success in Extracurricular Activities

As Xavier found comfort and confidence in his new school settings, his success soon followed. This includes a long list of extracurricular activities where Xavier’s social skills were put to the test – and they passed with flying colors. 

“I’m currently in the ASB (Associated Student Body) as a team member with the responsibility of helping to promote school activities and events and raising students’ spirits,” Xavier said. “I participated in cross country for two years, track and field for three years, and I’ve participated in a Filipino club and a Red Cross club.”

Educationally, Xavier has found his groove, as well. He now excels in the classroom, confidently participating in discussions and handling a full academic workload. This hard work paid off recently when he was accepted for admission to UC Davis. His participation in his school’s Sports Career Academy, which combines the fields of sports and healthcare, has inspired him to pursue a career as a physical therapist or sports therapist. 

Giving Back: Staying Connected with CCHAT

Xavier’s appreciation for CCHAT drives him to remain bonded to the program. He has returned as a guest emcee for CCHAT performances, and he has also provided updates and reconnected with CCHAT friends at numerous Reunion events. 

For Xavier, he works to stay close to CCHAT because he feels compelled to pass on what he has learned to those currently involved in the program. 

“It’s super important to connect with CCHAT and my CCHAT classmates because the past memories and hardships have shaped me into the person I am right now,” Xavier said. “Having a child who is Hard of Hearing can be a challenge at first, but with consistency and an immense amount of support, you’ll set your child up for success greater than you’ve ever imagined.”

He also has an inspiring message for children at CCHAT, those who may just be getting their start in the program, like he did 15 years ago.

“Don’t be afraid to be yourself and have lots of fun along the way,” Xavier said. “I want to show each and every student at CCHAT how much the teachers, speech therapists, and classmates have helped me because if it wasn’t for CCHAT, I don’t know where I would be.”