There is something special about encouragement. Whether one gives encouragement or receives it, encouragements brighten even the darkest day. Genuine encouragement is underrated in today’s society. Often, flippant comments are used in everyday language. However, without intention behind encouragement,...

(This story was originally published in print on Feb. 14, 2019). Chad Ross should not have been able to walk or hear. But he ran cross country and reads lips. “A lot of people view my lack of hearing as a disability. It is not,” Ross said. Besides his own initiative, some of Ross’ transition...