Ask Robb

I’m Robb Patrick—the person behind Robb Paddy Journey (RPJ).

I’m a curious person who enjoys reflecting on life, asking questions, learning from different experiences, and sometimes looking at ordinary things from an unexpected perspective. I’m also someone who believes growth doesn’t have an expiration date.

RPJ gives me a place to share those thoughts in my own way—honestly, thoughtfully, and without pretending that I have all the answers.

That’s simply me: Robb, still walking, still learning, and still growing.

“Paddy” comes from my last name, Patrick. Over time, it became a nickname that felt natural to me and eventually became part of my personal identity and branding.

That’s how Robb Paddy Journey (RPJ) came together. “Paddy” isn’t my middle name—it’s simply the nickname behind the name RPJ.

Everyone is unique. My life has been shaped by being Deaf, my Christian faith, and my personal experiences. I hope my reflections honestly encourage personal growth and show that people can respectfully see the world from different perspectives.

I don’t think of myself as a traditional influencer. Robb Paddy Journey is a personal platform where I share reflections, experiences, faith, growth, and lessons from life. If something I share encourages, inspires, or helps someone reflect on their own journey, I’m grateful. My goal isn’t to build a personal celebrity brand or tell people how to live, but to share honestly and walk through life with purpose.

No. I do not consider myself an “Elite” Deaf person. I do not see myself as a celebrity, legendary figure, actor, prominent community leader, or someone above other Deaf people. The term “Elite Deaf” can be understood differently by different people, and I believe every person deserves respect regardless of their career, recognition, income, disability status, or level of involvement in the Deaf community.

I prefer to keep my personal political views private and do not use Robb Paddy Journey as a political platform. Instead, RPJ focuses on personal growth, life reflections, Deaf life, faith, and finding positive ways to navigate life. When possible, I would rather be hiking through the beauty of nature with my dogs than getting caught up in the constant noise of the news around the world. 🐾🌲

I created Robb Paddy Journey for educational and inspirational purposes. Life can sometimes leave us unsure about what happened, what to do next, or how to move forward. Through my reflections, I share lessons, perspectives, and encouragement based on my experiences. My hope is that others may find something meaningful that helps them reflect, learn, or continue walking through life with purpose.

Robb Paddy Journey is both a personal platform and an educational website. I share my reflections and experiences related to growth, Deaf life, faith, and the lessons learned throughout my journey. Although some stories are personal, the purpose is to create reflections that readers may relate to and apply to their own lives.

RPJ stands for Robb Paddy Journey. The “journey” represents my path through life—continuing to learn, grow, reflect, overcome challenges, and walk through life with purpose. Through my experiences, I share reflections on growth, Deaf life, faith, and the everyday lessons that shape us along the way.

I write about personal growth, Deaf life, faith, everyday reflections, and lessons learned through life. Some topics come from my own experiences, while others are broader reflections that may help readers think about their own journeys.

No. 😂 I am still learning, growing, reflecting, and walking through life—just like everyone else.
Have a question, thought, or story you’d like to share? Visit the Connect page and send me a message.

Yes. I once owned and operated a business that was an important part of my journey. Eventually, I made the decision to let that chapter go and move forward. Our focus was providing tourists, visitors, and local hikers with safety throughout the year—especially during the desert’s seasonal extremes. Safety was always our highest priority.

That experience taught me a lot about responsibility, leadership, and serving others, and it remains one of the chapters that shaped who I am today.

✨ Want to learn more about this turning point? Read my reflection, A Turning Point: Letting Go with Clarity.

Absolutely. Respectful differences of opinions are welcome. If you would like to share your thoughts, you may contact me through the Connect page or send a message through social media.

I will do my best to respond within a reasonable time. Even when people continue to disagree, conversations can remain calm, humble, and respectful. Not every disagreement needs to become a public conflict or be shared widely on social media.

I attended mainstream schools and completed a four-year university education. My academic interests included computer science.

No, I did not attend Gallaudet University. I attended a different university, where I earned a four-year degree in Applied Computer Science, specializing in System Development.

Although I didn’t attend Gallaudet, I have always recognized its important place in Deaf history, education, culture, and the Deaf community.

No. I’m the only Deaf person in my family. My immediate family uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with me.

There is one exception in my household—Patches, my female Catahoula Leopard Dog with white fur and black spots, is Deaf too! 🐾 Because of this, I jokingly call Coco, my male Chihuahua, a PODD: “Puppy of a Deaf Dog,” inspired by CODA (“Child of Deaf Adults”). 😄

Some people ask me, “Can you read lips?” I might jokingly ask, “Can you use ASL?” 😊 Communication is a two-way street. Just as not everyone knows American Sign Language, not every Deaf person can read lips. Some Deaf people use lipreading, while others rely more on sign language, captions, writing, or other forms of communication.

I use American Sign Language (ASL) because it is an important and natural part of how I communicate as a Deaf person. ASL is a complete and expressive language used by many Deaf and hearing people. Just as people communicate in different spoken languages, people also communicate in different signed languages.

Being Deaf has been an important part of my journey. Throughout my life, it has brought both positive and difficult experiences. At times, I have experienced communication barriers, challenges, and situations that others may not fully understand. I have also had experiences that helped me grow and see life from a different perspective.

I sometime feel that my journey is unique, and I have not always felt that I completely fit into every community around me. Today, I am grateful to have discovered the light of God and to continue growing in my faith.

Through studying the Bible, I have found hope in believing that my life is temporary and that God has promised a peaceful future. I believe in a future where pain, illness, communication barriers, crime, war, poverty, and other struggles will no longer exist.

I do not claim to understand exactly how everything will happen. But I believe that, ultimately, I do not need to have all the answers. I choose to trust God and His promises.

For me, being Deaf is part of my life and my journey, but it is not the end of the story. I look forward to a future where all people can live peacefully without the struggles and limitations of this world.

Coco is my male Chihuahua and is jokingly known as a PODD—”Puppy of a Deaf Dog.” 🐶 Patches is a female Catahoula Leopard Dog, with white fur and black spots, and she is Deaf. Both are very loyal companions to me!

Coco has also become Patches’ helpful little “alert system.” When Coco hears someone at the door—such as a key jingling or the door opening—he reacts first. Patches then notices Coco’s reaction and follows him toward the door. This also helps me become aware that someone has arrived.

Mission accomplished! 🙌 🐾😂

Yes. I am a non-denominational Christian who continues to study the Bible, learn, and grow in my faith. I may visit different churches and learn from different Christian perspectives while focusing on following the teachings of Jesus Christ. I also share some of my thoughts and experiences through my Faith Journey reflections.

No. Like everyone, my journey has included different experiences, challenges, and changes throughout life. Today, my life is guided by my Christian faith and my continuing relationship with God. I am still learning, growing, and sharing the gospel when opportunities arise. I believe that God loves everyone and that no one is beyond God’s love, grace, or the opportunity to grow.