Thursday, July 29 2010
Nick Watkins took up impossible challenges on a new game show...and won the hearts of 1.3 million viewers nationally, plus he put the Deaf and hearing impaired community in the spotlight...
This lovable larrikin proved that a disability doesn't have to prevent you from achieving your dreams. Ai-Media recently had a chat with Nick to see what makes him tick.
What made you go on Minute to Win It?
Nick: Well, one of my friends filled out an application form and encouraged me to give it a go...I put it to the back of my mind because I was pretty busy that day…I had cricket coaching to do and the deadline for applications was that same afternoon so I had a mate of mine fill it out for me…and things just took off from that point. I’ve not looked back since then and I’ve had wonderful support from the Deaf community all around Australia to keep doing things that break down the perceptions around people with a disability or impairment. I have to thank the community very much and special thanks go to my family and close friends who came to support me on the night. The main reason I wanted to go on the show was to meet new people and have fun - and I truly did. I loved the challenge of it all.
Stupid human tricks seem to be something you're pretty good at...what other skills do you have?
Nick: Any skills you have are important. I guess because I’ve had some good fortune against the odds, and the results have proven a lot of things can be achieved if you just believe in yourself. I think sometimes that deaf people focus on their weakness and forget how much greater their other skills are – you just need to look for your strengths and use them to their full advantage. I’m lucky – I have learned to be a really good cricket player. I’m currently Vice Captain of the Parramatta First Grade team so I am very proud of this achievement. I also have three successful businesses now so I know I’m capable of anything I set my mind to.
Was growing up with deafness something that made you feel different to other people?
Nick: Yes, I did feel different. I felt restricted from some things in life but at same time I wanted to feel equal to everyone else. I just had to try harder at some things. There is not a lot you can do other than just be honest with yourself, and deal with your deafness - it makes you a stronger person.
Do you think you miss out on things that hearing people take for granted?
Nick: Sure. I guess the largest thing that comes to mind is not being able to clearly pick up the words a singer is singing. For me, the music and beat is no problem, but the meaning of the song is always a bit of a question mark. Normally people play their music way too loudly, so I tend to switch my hearing aid off to protect the hearing I do have. Hearing people don’t realise what an advantage they have in life – so they should look after that gift.
What was it like at school for you?
Nick: Actually I had fun. I was in small classes which made me a bit spoiled really…and I did well in most subjects (one or two I could have tried harder at). I did whatever it took. I knew I would be happy just to get a trade under my belt as an adult, which I did when I left school. I know even better things are to come. Optimism is one of my strengths.
What is the biggest hurdle you've overcome?
Nick: Well being Deaf is a pretty big hurdle – but if you think about it…I just can’t hear. Deafness has never stopped me for a second from doing the things I’ve been interested in. I want to become a 1st/Premier League Captain - which is massive goal for me. If I get the job it will be a milestone for the D&HI community. I don't worry too much about how big or small a hurdle is…it’s the wrong focus to have. Just do what you’re best at, whatever that may be, and the rest will take care of itself. Trust me…did I ever imagine being a TV star, even for just a night? No way – but it took the ball and ran with it!
When you first encountered Ai-Media - what were your impressions?
Nick: Surprised that they knew who I was! They were really open to me checking them out….what a great bunch of people. I took a good look at the entire Ai-Live™ solution. I knew instantly it would be a brilliant innovation that would enable millions of people worldwide. It’s a very smart tool, not just for use at school but it will be very handy in uni or at work I think. It makes me really happy to know there is something coming that will make others feel so included. It offers broad access to things in life that it will break down the barriers and force a change to the way we do things. They’re very clever people at Ai-Media I think…and so passionate about what they do.
What do you think Ai-Live™ will bring to kids that you didn't experience as a high school student?
Nick: Well, kids won’t miss out on anything going on in class now - so no more excuses for not paying attention! And that will mean students will be able to have a better shot at an education, with better opportunities as an adult than they may have originally had…their futures will be full of new options and horizons. It’s fantastic. Imagine how many kids around the world will be born…and by the time they get to school Ai-Live™ will be part of the normal classroom environment…it’s magic.
Do you think people with disabilities are being fully supported?
Nick: Disabilities services in this country have limited resources, I think. This makes support difficult across the board. It’s quite a common problem around the world too…but things are improving. With this new invention from Ai-Media the future for deaf people is really looking bright.
As a business man what do you put your success down to?
Nick: Well there are people out there everyday doing what I do… working hard and making a name for themselves…to get noticed and progress their lives. I am no different to them. If success gives you a voice – use that voice to help others. On 'Minute to Win It' I kept using the hand gesture for “round of applause” to get everyone’s attention, knowing full well that at the same time I was building an awareness of sign language. I think that even the little things I can do will grow my voice and it will become louder and louder. My motto is 'the more you put into life, the more you create your own luck' - and it doesn't matter what field it is in. Be loud, proud and enjoy every day. I love a laugh too…what good is it if you aren’t having fun?!
How do you want to make a difference in the D&HI community?
Nick: I have a message I want to share with everyone…don’t believe you are so different – perhaps you’re unique! You can succeed if you believe in yourself. Make sure you enjoy what you do even if it’s a hobby…the clever people are making successful businesses out of something they’re passionate about…my hobby became a career choice - I loved playing cricket so I thought, “Maybe I would make a good cricket coach” – and now I am. Cricket is my life. It’s a game where you meet wonderful people on and off the field. In my teams, we all share the same passion for the game and I am very fortunate to have played against people such as Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger and M. Johnston S. Katich. Being able to fully participate and be included in an activity where deafness is a non-issue has made me who I am today. I like to be fearless.
Setting and achieving goals are really important no matter if you have an impairment or disability of any kind. We also have gifts so make the most of them – we have feelings, thoughts, smiles, hearts and souls like everyone else, so in those really important ways we are no different to anyone else in the world. And you know…if everyone in the world was exactly the same it would be a pretty lame place.
Who do you admire?
Nick: I admire people who beat the odds. I applaud that wheelchair guy who crossed the Kakoda trail – that was awesome. I think it’s very important to have a mentor or a role model – someone you can look up to and learn from. I have mentors in different fields, Bob Simpson and Greg Monaghan. And I’m totally inspired by Alex Jones - look at his energy, enthusiasm and passion for building awareness of the D&HI community’s needs. He never gives up; never stops believing in himself and is such a powerful communicator. That’s the type of man I want to be - a leader.
What's on the agenda for Nick Watkins over the next months?
Nick: My options are open at this stage…and I’m still thinking about what I’d like to do next really. I have a new business venture I want to keep building on, Jodan Removals. Wattocricket Coaching and Hands On Garden are very successful businesses I own also. I want to do even more with my life so it’s full and rich with experience. I would love to travel and see more of the world, to meet deaf people from all over – I would like to help more deaf people to achieve the things they want from life, and assist them to build their confidence for years to come - to be an ambassador of hope in a way… and obviously anything else that is thrown at me I’ll relish.
