What “Extraordinary” Means to Me

What “Extraordinary” Means to Me

On July 29, 2025, I received a letter that left me both honored and emotional an official recognition from U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, thanking me for my advocacy on behalf of the Deaf community and the Lumbee Tribe.

He wrote:

“I am proud to hear of extraordinary North Carolinians who are making a difference in our state, and I look forward to hearing about your continued success.”

When I read the word “extraordinary,” I had to pause.

Does it mean someone famous? Wealthy? Loud?

To me, it means:

• Speaking truth even when it’s uncomfortable

• Writing books that carry both pain and pride

• Being Deaf in a world that often forgets to listen

• Being Lumbee in a world that still refuses to recognize

Extraordinary doesn’t mean perfect.

It means surviving and still creating.

It means using your voice  even when it’s quiet.

Thank you, Senator Tillis, for seeing that in me.

I will continue to speak out, write forward, and push for visibility  including for H.R. 474, even if the bill wasn’t mentioned by name in this letter. Because that recognition still matters. We still matter.

— Sondra Sampson

Deaf. Lumbee. Author. Advocate.

Silent Feather Press

Books:

Signs from the Spirit | The Sign of Victoria | Luski’s Silent Girl