Wager Mage
Photo by Ylanite Koppens Pexels Logo Photo: Ylanite Koppens

Can you be deaf in the FBI?

That's why one of the rare exceptions to those FBI entrance standards is so inspiring. Nicole Lopez is a special agent in the FBI and she's been deaf in one ear since she was a kid. Resourceful and intelligent, Lopez has proven that hearing loss doesn't have to slow you down.

Who is the king of long shots?
Who is the king of long shots?

His free kick strike against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 semi-final is one of his best long-range efforts. Messi has scored 70...

Read More »
Can you play DraftKings for free?
Can you play DraftKings for free?

Can You Play DraftKings For Free? Yes, you can play DraftKings for free. DraftKings allows you to setup an account for free and play in free...

Read More »

Are you ready for anything? If you want to join up with the FBI, you need to be. That’s why the physical requirements to join the FBI academy are quite rigorous. And also pretty strict. An asthma attack while you’re chasing down bad guys can put a damper on your day (and, you know, put you and your partners in danger). That’s why one of the rare exceptions to those FBI entrance standards is so inspiring. Nicole Lopez is a special agent in the FBI and she’s been deaf in one ear since she was a kid. Resourceful and intelligent, Lopez has proven that hearing loss doesn’t have to slow you down.

Hearing, Athleticism, and Service

Lopez had always been an athlete and a leader. According to an interview with People magazine, she never let her hearing loss get in the way of what she wanted to do as an athlete. In college, she played the position of “setter” on her volleyball team–a position that required her to communicate often and clearly, something her hearing loss could have made more difficult. But Lopez adjusted. Just as she adjusted when she joined the military and served in Afghanistan. That’s not to say there were no setbacks. Lopez had always planned to enlist in the armed services and then join the FBI, but she was turned down when she tried to enlist the first time–on account of her hearing.

Persistence Pays Off

According to that same interview, Lopez had never really looked at her hearing loss as a disability, but those rejections represented the first time she felt as though maybe she wouldn’t be allowed to do what she had always planned to do. Still, she persisted and was granted a waiver from an ROTC program in Michigan. Eventually, Lopez served in Afghanistan and is now an FBI special agent (every agent at the FBI is called a special agent–it’s just how they roll) investigating violent crimes. Lopez is making a positive difference in the world–and so she’s an inspiration to everyone who never let an impairment stop them from pursuing their dreams.

Following in Her Footsteps?

Do you hit 14 against 6?
Do you hit 14 against 6?

Hard 14 is always a stand when the dealer exposes small cards 2 through 6. The player must hit their hard 14 against all other upcards, namely 7...

Read More »
Is it cheaper to buy land and build a house?
Is it cheaper to buy land and build a house?

But building a house is still more expensive than buying one. Existing home prices are 15% higher in 2022 than last year. But building material...

Read More »

Does that mean anyone with Lopez’s level of hearing loss could follow in her footsteps? That’s difficult to say, as Lopez met her setbacks with her own unique mix of grit, determination, and persistence. But Lopez has certainly proven that such a course is possible. It’s true, she might not be the first individual with a hearing disability to serve in the FBI (it’s tough to tell, as the FBI doesn’t very detailed records on that specific detail). It’s likely that, with Lopez leading the way, more individuals will be able to see what she’s accomplished and pursue a similar career path. The visibility of Lopez’s success means that others–perhaps those who are feeling deflated or defeated–can be encouraged to keep at it.

Is Hearing Loss a Disability?

Because the reality is that, for many, hearing loss is a disability–at least, as defined by legal precedents. Hearing loss is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can be covered by the Social Security Administration Disability Benefits program. Under the ADA, most workplaces are legally required to provide equal opportunities to those with hearing loss (though there are always some exceptions). So, you can’t be passed over for a promotion or denied a job simply because you have hearing loss (or any other disability).

You Can Do It!

Hearing loss is going to make certain activities slightly more challenging–at first. But as you adjust (and as start using hearing aids and other technology to hear more fully), you’ll notice that many (if not all) of your goals are still achievable. In other words, you can still focus on living the life you want to live (cheesy as it sounds). And now we all have an inspiring role model in the form of one Nicole Lopez–a real-life special agent with the F.B.I.

What is the best diet for a rugby player?
What is the best diet for a rugby player?

Training Diet Cereal and cereal products, eg bread (wholegrain), breakfast cereals (oatmeal, etc), rice and pasta. Fruit and vegetables. Milk and...

Read More »
Who owns Okada Manila now?
Who owns Okada Manila now?

Japan's Universal Entertainment takes over operations of Okada Manila casino. MANILA, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Japan's Universal Entertainment Corp...

Read More »
Should I hit on 13?
Should I hit on 13?

When gamblers find themselves in a situation where their hand totals 13 and the dealer's upcard is from 2 through 6, they should stand. For the...

Read More »
How to make money at night?
How to make money at night?

Let's look at how to make money at night, what you need, and how much you can make from night gigs. ... How to Make Money At Night? Teach English...

Read More »