Ella O’Connor, who won the award for her continued efforts to support the deaf community and dedication to helping others, said the awards were a great opportunity to raise awareness of something people felt passionate about and encouraged Islanders to nominate their local heroes.
Ms O’Connor underwent operations when she was four and later at 13 to be fitted with cochlear implants.
She was nominated by her mother, Claire O’Connor, who said her daughter was proud of being deaf and worked hard to raise awareness of the problems faced by deaf people within the community.
Ms O’Connor said: ‘I think there is a stigma attached to deaf people in Jersey and so it was important for me to win the award for the deaf community.’
The Young Ambassador of the Year award is open to those aged 16 to 25 and aims to shine a light on those pushing themselves and excelling in any field.
Ms O’Connor said she was surprised to win the award, as she felt there were some extraordinary people in the category that had done some great work.
She is now encouraging people to nominate anyone who they think is going the extra mile and carrying out amazing work.
She added: ‘Life is too short. You should be happy and have fun while being the best person you can be by helping others.’
Since winning the award, Ms O’Connor has changed jobs and is now working as a trainee sales adviser at the Powerhouse.
She said: ‘I am really happy in my new job. Everyone at the Powerhouse makes me feel really accepted and part of a team. I hope to continue my training here and move up the ladder in the company.’
Continuing her efforts to help with the deaf community, Ms O’Connor said she used half her prize money from last year’s award to purchase a laptop, which she uses to help with her signing and translation for deaf people.
The other half of the money she spent on continuing her signing course, which she hopes will be put to the test in the next Jersey Eisteddfod signing for songs competition. This was due to be held later this year but has been pushed back because of the Covid-19 crisis.
To nominate visit prideofjersey.com and fill in the nomination sheet. Entries close on 31 August.
Pride of Jersey nominations: Page 8.
