30 Under 30: Graceyn Holcomb

Human Development and Family Studies Student at The University of Alabama

Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill

At 17 months old, Graceyn Holcomb became the youngest child in Alabama to receive a cochlear implant.  

After having the surgery on her right ear, there were many uncertainties surrounding the recovery process. Graceyn’s parents prepared her for the world by teaching her to speak properly.

“My parents never sheltered me from normal life, so I never felt like I had a disability,” says Graceyn.

Though her deafness presented its challenges, Graceyn recalls having a positive experience in school. After graduating from Jasper High School, she began her studies at The University of Alabama. However, she felt truly isolated when the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“I was working as a hostess. I rely on lip-reading in crowded places, so people were sometimes rude when I couldn’t understand them,” she recalls.

Soon after, in June 2021, Graceyn received the implant in her left ear. The first thing she heard clearly from her left ear was the Taylor Swift song “Come Back, Be Here.”

Today, she aspires to become a sex therapist, aiding rape victims and couples with intimacy issues. She will soon complete a degree in Human Development and Family Studies.

Graceyn also hopes to continue raising awareness for the deaf community.

“There’s not much representation for the hard of hearing,” says Graceyn, “and I want to change that.” 78