A Perseverance Journey: Breaking Barriers with a Disability 

Dr. Lutendo Rhinah Singo has been a pillar of Great Sanctuary since the beginning, and we have witnessed her incredible journey firsthand. She has written two motivational books: Disability Doesn’t Mean Inability: My Story of Hope and Encouragement and A Perseverance Journey: Breaking Barriers with a Disability. Her books have no age limit, whether you’re young or old, they will speak to you. As someone with a severe to profound hearing disability, Dr. Singo has been breaking barriers that could have easily stood in her way. And as a community of the Great Sanctuary, we celebrate that and are inspired.  If you are someone who believes you will never amount to anything or have been conditioned by society to accept mediocrity, then this is for you. 

About Her First Book: Disability Doesn’t Mean Inability – My Story of Hope and Encouragement

This book was born from her personal experiences growing up with a severe to profound hearing impairment. It was not an easy journey for her. She encourages people with disabilities to love and accept themselves, regardless of their challenges. She reminds them to live, think, act, and plan beyond their disabilities, no matter the everyday struggles they may face.  It also seeks to educate society to embrace and support people with disabilities, recognizing that disability is not a disease. It cannot and should not be used as an excuse to hinder anyone from achieving their goals. 
Ultimately, it reinforces that we should not allow ourselves to be defined by our disabilities. Instead, we should be encouraged to become all we aspire to be if we are willing to put in the effort and maximize our potential. 

Now, let’s learn more about her journey towards releasing her second book titled, A Perseverance Journey: Breaking Barriers with a disability.

Tell us, Why ‘A perseverance journey: Breaking Barriers with a disability’?

Let’s be real, pursuing a PhD is not for the faint of heart. At some point, it can feel impossible and mentally exhausting. This book is for those on that journey, to encourage, guide, inspire, and sympathize with those willing to undertake a PhD, same with those who have already started but are finding it hard to keep up.  If you had told me years ago that I would one day hold a PhD, I would’ve laughed. Me? From a poor background? With a hearing disability? No way! 
But here I am. 
I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to write this book, I lived it. I faced many challenges. I even contemplated dropping out. I doubted myself. I wanted to quit. 
But I didn’t. 
Why? Because my dream was bigger than my struggles and disability barriers.  We all know how messy life can get, whether it’s academics, a disability, family, career, or just life throwing curveballs. But be encouraged. Don’t give up. Keep pushing. Keep persevering. Keep showing up. 

When no one believed in you, how did you overcome that? 

The hardest moment was when no one believed I could accomplish my PhD, especially those I asked to supervise me. When you have a disability, especially one like mine, people tend to assume you are incapable. That was tough. 

If you could advise your younger self before starting this journey, what would it be? 

Go where you are wanted and never give up on your dream. If those who are meant to lead and guide you make your PhD journey difficult, it may be better to leave. Even if you find help in the same place, the journey will not be smooth. I had no choice but to stay and endure all the struggles. I’m happy I did because I learned a lot about human behavior. It was sad to see people I looked up to belittle me. 

 What kept you going when you felt like quitting?

I wanted to prove to those who never believed in me that I could accomplish my PhD. I wanted to show that having a disability is not a hindrance to achieving anything. We don’t use our disabilities to study, we use knowledge, hard work, and dedication. 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that people look down on those with disabilities, assuming they are not destined for greatness.

Dr Lutendo Rhinah Singo

What’s the biggest misconception people have about disabilities? 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that people look down on those with disabilities, assuming they are not destined for greatness. I’ve also noticed that some people refuse to be outperformed by someone with a disability. Another misconception is that people think those with disabilities should be given free marks. What they don’t realize is that we study just as hard as anyone else to earn our degrees. 

What’s one myth about pursuing a PhD that you’d love to bust and what can universities do to support students with disabilities? 

Some people believe that doing a PhD will make you “go crazy” from having too much knowledge. But that’s not true.  You’re not studying everything; you’re focusing on a specific subject. There is no such thing as ‘too much’ knowledge, only expertise in your chosen field.

Inclusion and acceptance. There is no subject or course unsuitable for people with disabilities. If they have the passion to learn, they should be allowed to. Some individuals with disabilities learn at a slower pace. Universities should be more understanding of this. 

If you could describe your perseverance journey in three words, what would they be? 

Tough. Bittersweet. Victorious.
It was a difficult journey, but in the end, it was worth it. I shocked those who thought I was wasting my time and money. Now I am grateful I did not give up.

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Conclusion

This book is a must-read for those pursuing a PhD, especially those living with disabilities. It will help readers avoid many of the struggles they may encounter and prepare them mentally to survive the PhD journey.  I believe it will inspire and motivate people to fight for their education and push toward completing their academic goals, no matter the challenges they come across. 

Get Your Copy for this masterpiece and be inspired! 
Kindly WhatsApp 0837566529 or DM Messenger Singo Rhinah Tshivhase. Book Prices: Both include courier delivery
Disability Doesn’t Mean Inability: My Story of Hope and Encouragement is R210.
A Perseverance Journey: Breaking Barriers with A Disability is R260.

Drop a message of hope in the comment section and let me hear how you got impacted by Singo. Reach out to her and order the books and be inspired to do better. Do not forget to like, subscribe, and of course share.
From my heart to yours,
Cheers!!