Stuttering is a superpower

Nati Feliciano-Soto, Contributing Writer 

My name is Nataly, Nati, Feliciano-Soto and I am a third-year mass communications and media production student, aspiring writer and life-long stutterer. 

When I was a little girl, using my voice and transforming it into words was scary. Every time I would meet new people, the idea gave me anxiety rather than joy. The idea of introducing myself was a challenge. 

The stigma I faced for being “incapable” of speaking and the mockery I experienced due to my repeating or mumbling of a sentence became too much to bear. Sometimes it did not make me feel human. 

Sometimes it made me feel like I was incapable or too dumb to do anything I wanted in this life — that a career, education or even a purpose was unachievable all because of my inability to articulate words fluently. 

Yet amidst this struggle, I found solace and empowerment in creative outlets such as writing and filmmaking. 

Through these mediums, I gained control over my narrative, creating worlds where characters defined themselves without fear of judgment or isolation. 

The real world demands more than the comfort of artistic expression, however, and not acknowledging the battles that stutterers face would only leave me disappointed in myself as a growing professional. 

May 9 to May 15 is a week dedicated to raising awareness for stuttering, yet many in the 21st century do not actually understand what stuttering really is: A speech disorder characterized by involuntary disruptions in the flow of speech.

It is essential to recognize that stuttering is a complex condition with multifaceted causes including genetic, neurological and environmental factors. 

Feeling overwhelmed, nervous or even scared can trigger stuttering episodes, though people can still stutter even when not experiencing these emotions. Despite this simple explanation, the link between stuttering and intelligence has been both stereotyped and largely misunderstood. 

While some may mistakenly assume that stuttering is indicative of lower intelligence or a lack of capability, research and statistics paint a different picture altogether. Contrary to the stereotype, stuttering does not correlate with intelligence. In fact, individuals who stutter often possess average or above-average intelligence levels. 

Stuttering is not a sign of low intelligence or poor concentration. In fact, the average person who stutters has an IQ 14 points higher than the national average, according to a study done by Psych Central.

The idea that stuttering impedes one’s ability to succeed in education and their career is unfounded. Yet because of the lack of misinformation that surrounds my stutter, judgment and ridicule have been a major part of my struggle to sustain my self-esteem and confidence. 

Networking has become an essential burden because of my condition, especially as a mass communications and former filmmaking major. It has caused me to become ridden with social anxiety and has consequently hindered my personal and professional development. 

Despite the significant impact my stutter has had on my networking opportunities, I am determined to confront it. I refuse to let the fear of judgment and societal stigma paralyze me, especially considering my passion for writing and storytelling. 

The truth is: My stutter makes things 10 times harder, yet also 10 times greater because of the testimony I carry. 

Women like Selena Gomez and AJ Lee serve as rare examples of healing representation in my life. Despite facing their own battles with health conditions — Gomez with lupus and Lee with bipolar disorder — they have risen to become powerful inspirations in the pursuit of my dreams and goals.

Gomez’s multifaceted talents as an actress and producer exemplify resilience, showing me that success knows no bounds. Similarly, Lee’s journey from a women’s wrestling champion to a badass writer demonstrates the power of courage and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. 

Their stories remind me that despite the challenges posed by my stuttering or any other adversity, achieving greatness is within reach with determination and belief in oneself.

In the words of Lee, when she retired from professional wrestling, “Break the rules. Be a fighter. Any dream is possible if you are brave enough to do it your way.”

The inspiration I have gained from these women extends beyond personal triumphs, as they have propelled me to excel academically as well. 

Here is my final declaration against the stigmatization of stuttering: It is unjust, for stuttering is not a hindrance to intelligence, it is a superpower that enhances one’s intelligence. 

It serves as a tool to cultivate resilience, amplify our messages and foster patience in our interactions with others. Most importantly, it sets us apart, allowing us to delve into storytelling realms and always have a narrative to share.