Wednesday, November 17, 2010

For Real.

Contemplative thoughts have danced through my mind like the leaves on the sidewalks of North East D.C.
It's all starting to get real.
The mystical people I've read about in undergrad assigned reading 
Iconic schools and national protests 
Movemakers and Contributors.
Campuses 
Colleges 
Universities 
Directors 
Departments 
Statues
    These facets are all becoming a part of my life. I am visiting and interacting with iconic beings which have until now, only existed in books, stories, and video tapes.




    I've attended LaGuardia Community College and met with Robert Hills.
    I have acquaintances whom have attended, work, or teach at Lexington.
    I was escorted through Gallaudet by friends who have already attended, and am currently applying for grad school at this near-ethereal institution.




    Black printed words on beige and white papers are morphing into tangible verifiable entities.
    It's real.
    It really is real.
    For reals.
    And it is a part of me. Soon, I will be a part of it all, too.




    Monday, November 15, 2010

    Post Gallaudet Post

    I did it!
    I made it!
    I went.
    I signed. 
    And boy... did I walk!

    Sooooo many thoughts are swimming around in my head. 
    Once I arrived at Gallaudet, I saw people like me and Jeremy, my dear friend who guided me around my way. I saw people who sign. People who talk with their hands, even when their mouth is full. 

    I met some great girls in the dorms and their friends. Some education students, a psychology major, an interpreter, a graduate student in international affairs, and the other prospective at the Open House. I was so nervous people would judge me and I wouldn't understand them. That was not the case at all. Everyone I met had patience with my level of comprehension, supported me in my efforts, and encouraged me to keep on trekking. The faculty I met were so encouraging and gave me all the information I requested. Class size, requirements, testing times and accessibility, advice, free magnets and pens, and smiles. By the way, my hot pink and platinum extensions were the perfect ice breaker. Everywhere I went, someone was there to tap me on the shoulder and sign, "I love your hair! That's so cool," which always lead to a real conversation. I met another education grad student in the bookstore with my hair alone. I met a dancer from New York with a cochlear implant, a Deaf man who helped establish the Deaf studies department at Washington State, a man who hates fingerspelling and interviewed to work in San Francisco for social work, people from texas, Californians from Freemont, and two international students (Malaysia and Japan). 

    Wow. 

    The best part of the whole trip? Wayne's birthday. Jeremy's best friend's boyfriend turned 26 and of course, the gang got together to celebrate with chips, salsa and beer in sippy cups (which is actually pretty useful, signing with a cup of beer in your hands can be detrimental). Oh! Don't forget the games!!! This was the real deal. This was real ASL. This was me signing in real time. My reception sure picked up, as did my speed. The sayings holds true: 
    Practice makes perfect. 
    You don't use it, you lose it. 

    People I hadn't met put me up on their couch, their spare bed, their dorm room and gave me directions and advice for the area. I've never met such friendly and earnest strangers. Being a part of their community for three days has helped me learn so much about myself, my skills, my dreams, my weaknesses, my goals, and my role. Just when I told them I started to feel overwhelmed, more than once the reply was, "Struggle is a part of the process." 

    and on a personal note: "Everything can't be a big deal." 

    In closing, I want to thank my dear friends Anna, Tiffany, Aspen, Devin, Chris, Jeremy; my best friend Marjorie; my brothers Joe & Jim; and my parents for all of the support and pushing. I would still be sitting in this very chair like a sack of potatoes dreaming about my future instead of making my future, if it weren't for all you folks and your words of wisdom and pats on the back. 

    What's next?
    It's Application Season!!! So if I fail to return your text and ditch our plans, please know it is because I am busy typing away for letters of rec, resumes, and transcript acquisitions. You'll hear from me in January. Until, keep reading!

    and I'l keep signing.

    Saturday, November 13, 2010

    Learning Signs

    Learning experience #683:

    I comprehend ASL better from men, as opposed to women.

    Hmmmm. Why? How come? I wonder why that came to pass... Let's look at my background.
    First ASL instructor: Wendy, female. Hearing with an unhealthy pity perspective of the Deaf.
    All other ASL instructors during undergrad: Male. 1 hearing, 2 Deaf.
    Sorority sister: raised orally, spoke a LOT when she signed.
    Other college Deaf friends: mostly male.
    NYC--
    1 Instructor: Deaf Woman, Carmen King. Strong ASL skills, yet very feminine & assertive approach.
    1 Instructor: Deaf Man, graduate of Gallaudet.
    Current tutor/good friend: young Deaf man, social butterfly.
    1 CoDA coworker: man.

    See a trend?? I'm not used to the tapered fingers and fluttery trills of thought. Women's hands move differently, on average. Mens hands appear visually more stable, in my humble opinion.

    So it looks like I know just where to start my homework for grad school:
    Single Hearing Female ISO Single Deaf/CoDA Female Tutor :-)




    - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

    Restaurant rules

    Today I rode the metro all by myself. I even switched colors. Why? To meet some newfound friends for dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. Of course I had the Hawaiian BBQ, with half to go. This was yet another learning experience:

    I arrived late, culturally appropriate. When the waitress came to take my order I spoke in my native tongue to speed things up. Plus, my hands were usurped by taking my coat off.

    What a big mistake.

    And I knew better.
    'Why?' -you may be thinking. Did my Deaf friends judge me? Don't think so. Did I stop signing? No.
    But the moment I spoke, it signaled the waitress that I communicated like her and, naturally, she gravitated toward me. So when she addressed the table, she only looked at me. When she wanted to know if they want water, she looked at me. When she wanted to know if we were ready for the check, you guessed it; she looked at me.

    Once I realized her dependency on me and lack of acknowledging the other side of the table, I began to use my hands with a very low voice volume. And avoided eye contact. Mission accomplished: she started looking around to everyone.

    Moral of the story, don't talk with your mouth(ful) at the dinner table.

    :-)
    Amber & Me sharing some tunes.


    - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

    Friday, November 12, 2010

    Grad. School Open House


    Go Bisons!


    I just had the lunch social with the graduate school's department if education. Early, Elementary, Secondary.... hmmm. So specific. So many tests and exams. So focused. So much support and encouragement! And they even have their own sorority.

    During the open house, which is set up like a fair with tables and balloons, I was able to meet with Admissions, Financial Aide, Deaf Studies, Ed., Interpreting, the organization which administers the ASL Proficiency Interview. Wow. $175 where they quiz my language skills. Admittedly this becomes a little daunting. But success is so much sweeter when you have to work for it, right?! When I return to NYC, it is time to hunker down and sit in on some classrooms in the real world where I can get an eyewitness account to help me form my final decision. I am so very glad to be here.




    - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

    Upon Arrival at Gallaudet

    Of course on the first night at Gally, the student diversity organization is holding a dance showcase, filled with hip hopper, pop interpreters, krumpers, preachers, and capoeiristas. And it was all in ASL. Most interesting part? My group of friends kept asking me if the music was too loud for me. I could feel it rattling the plastic chair I sat in and my sternum. I for to see rap in ASL for the first time. A pair interpreted a new song by Monica and Ludacris. I think that one was my favorite. The ASL was smooth and easy to follow. One girl who performed Videophone by Beyoncé and Lady GaGa gave what I thought was a great musical representation of the piece. Her ASL skills were top notch. But a Deaf woman sitting next to me said the whole performance was too bouncy and harder to follow. Interesting. And of course, everyone kept tapping me on the shoulder to tell me they like my pink braids.


    So this is the DC metro. Doesn't their subway system look like Star Trek? I kept looking for my Vulcan boyfriend.


    Chinatown DC
    This is where we landed and Jeremy took me to Potbelly, one of the best sandwich shops I've ever been to. This is also where I got kicked out of McDonalds for have a glass bottle of rootbeer. Go figure.


    - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

    Friday, November 5, 2010

    Gaullaudet in a week!

    Gallaudet in T-6 days!!!!

    Running Check List:
    1. Staying with a friend of a friend.
    2. Weather is going to be nicer than in Manhattan; 60s. Thank God. 
    3. Have an appointment with an advisor.
    4. Campus tour with another department.
    5. Planning on returning with a shotglass, and potentially a sweatshirt of DEAF PRIDE!

    Do you want to know what my biggest fear is?

    I fall in love.

    If I fall in love, then I DO have to take accountability and start making moves.
    Application for Fall 2011
    Financial Aide Application
    Housing options
    Employment transfers
    moving?
    yard sales?
    doctors?
    re-register to vote
    find friends

    etc...................... is your head spinning yet? Mine sure is.

    But I'm not even there yet. I'm not even on the bus. I don't even have the ticket!
    *exhale*
    I will focus on having a good time gathering as much information as I can while meeting new and exciting people. Then I can take it from there.
    But first?
    baby steps.

    Monday, October 18, 2010

    Moving right along with Columbia!

    ThumbsUp.jpg image by L3noisI emailed my admissions liaison and she just got back to me today, already! She is super informative and very friendly. She directed me to a departmental professor and answered a couple of my questions.

    She even appreciated my involvement.

    I just sent an email to the professor seeking an informal interview.

    I'll keep you posted! (Pun intended:-)

    - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

    Saturday, October 16, 2010

    Columbia's Open House

    Well. I was impressed.

    Compared to last May's collection of 7 women in attendance, the hodgepodge of representatives, faulty technology, and tardiness; today's event was professional and informative.
    Free coffee and muffins don't hurt, either.

    Roughly 300 prospective students attended, some with their badass/sickass children. I knew I wasn't the only one perturbed once the entire auditorium looked over at the sound of the child's cough across the aisle from me. Girl, leave your sick child at home, along with the other loud four you brought with you.


    *ahem*


    An alumna spoke as did a dean. Humor, personal testimony, advice, and tips bounced off the walls from the microphone like an old game of Pong; my attention was kept but I shifted restlessly in my seat. I'm not accustomed to sitting down for so long. I better get used to that quick!


    Unlike the previous visit, we broke off into secular groups to discuss our particular field of interest. How awesome! Deaf Education fell into the Special Education program, which was umbrella-ed by Health Sciences. Elizabeth, my admission liason, gave us all so much logistical information with a smile and patience.


    I came home, updated my application, and made a list of the things I need to ask faculty. What is the student to teacher ratio? What classes are held in ASL? What are current alumnae doing? What are professors currently working on? Which program is best for me, elementary education or high school?


    Lastly, I began my application for Gallaudet. All that is left is the resume, letters of recommendation, and my letter of intent. All the heavy stuff. I emailed a former instructor from Sacramento State in hopes of broadening my experience and fortifying my skill.


    Things are looking up.


    Just keep signing, just keep signing, just keep signing...

    Friday, October 15, 2010

    University Visits

     Surprise!
    Turns out Columbia does have an awesome program in their Teachers College. 
    I just so happened to open an email inviting me to their open house this Saturday. Great. Let me go again. But this time, I want to talk to the faculty and find out if this program really is for me. Find out the benefits, highlights, outreach programs, placement programs, community involvement and skill requirements. 

    Then!
    November 12 is the Open House for Gallaudet. Already! Time off work is approved and lodging is arranged. Now time to make my list of questions and sight seeing. 
    It is all coming up so quickly, especially after my hiatus from school. Feelings of excitement, anxiety, and nervousness are creeping up my spine. 
    I think that's a good thing.

    Monday, October 4, 2010

    Train Go Sorry; a Reflection



    I just finished reading "Train Go Sorry" for the second time. Well, really I want to say I sincerely read it for the first time, as my previous attempt was for assigned college reading during undergrad at Sacramento State University, California. Ms. Leah Hager Cohen's artistic tapestry weaving in and out of anecdote and biographical memoir created such a multi-faceted array of enlightenment, information, perspective, and impetus for further ponder. She has a knack for educating the reader in a way which is not patronizing, nor is it tedious in explanation. Her stories are clear, concise, and conclude in parable and metaphor congruous with the implicit message at hand.

    I really feel like I know Sophia and her long hair and warbling Russian accent. I really feel like I know James and would congenially greet him on the street, admiring his gold jewelry. I really feel like I could shake Oscar Cohen's hand and agree with the arduous labor of his job, inadvertently sneaking a peep at his Bronx teeth. I could sense what it is like to grow up around a world painted in ASL and then struggle through the rite of passage into adulthood as a hearing woman, then back into the Deaf  W O R L D.

    I am looking forward to finding more books by Ms. Cohen. Thus far, I have unearthed her blog. Not all of her writing in its entirety is about the ASL and Deaf experience. Regardless I still find it intriguing and captivating.

    It is helpful to read about the experiences of another woman in her efforts to become an interpreter. She poignantly discussed the same things I worry about, have encountered, have heard professors warn my class about, and analyzed myself during conversations with my Deaf friends. This makes me feel validated and also comforted that I am not the only one with these thoughts and reactions.

    I wish there was a Part II to this story, to find out the post-high school lives of these Lexington School alumni.

    Sunday, August 29, 2010

    Hands On Learning

    I made a personal relationship with eye-contact in the Deaf WORLD. I've studied and read and written and reported and explained. But now I know. Now I feel it. In the hearing world, when one needs to pass by and say "excuse me," it is said with the head nearly tilted downward and barely any eye contact; presumably in a display of respect. In Deaf culture, eye contact must be made during any and all communication. Period. In my efforts to maneuver the food court at the South Street Seaport during the Deaf Expo, I physically became aware of my hearing tendency and quickly corrected myself.

    The Deaf Poetry Slam at the Bowery Poetry Club was amazing! The performer, Rob Roy, gave his "Deaf Man Walking" (signed 'dead man walking') skit. Originally from Australia, he delivered in ASL and intermittently sought correction from the audience in various words. Sidenote: I found it interesting Australian signs "number" the way Americans sign "problem." He signed very clearly, a little larger than one would in normal conversation, and used humor and rhetoric for emphasis.

    This was my first experience in ASL discussing more adult themes. Ironically enough, I laugh just as hard in ASL as I do in English. I love the directness and openness of ASL. Because understanding and information is so important, so pertinent to the culture, communication can be so much more smooth than in English. Well, that's my opinion anyway. Hearing people are so busy being caught up in etiquette, passivity, second-guessing, implicit statements, vague feedback, and formality. GET TO THE POINT ALREADY!

    Ahem...

    After the performance we migrated to the nearby bar where the center section of the floor turned into our world. Fingers flew and beer glasses collided. I met some new people and saw some old friends. Finally, deaf women MY age!! It was great to meet others who are attending or have attended Gallaudet, this makes my upcoming visit and application that much more tangible.

    Something Interesting:
    Sitting at the bar eating my over-cooked yet delicious veggie burger (get the English mustard, it has an extra kick!), a man with longish blond hair and an awkward way of signing came over and introduced himself. He proceeded to tell me he believed in Jesus Christ and asked me if I believe He died on the cross for us. Next he passed me two pamphlets in English and pen-drawn ASL relaying messages about the Savior's love and that I, too, can be saved.

    In a bar.
    He brought these papers to a bar.
    I've never seen missionaries in a bar.
    I know God loves everyone, including the drinkers... but come on, man!

    This is yet another anecdote of my "hands on" learning in the Deaf way:
    Deaf culture has everything any other culture has, including fights, bible-pushers, actors, and friends.

    Wednesday, August 25, 2010

    Deaf Expo @ South St. Seaport

    So I've been thinking...maybe this two-year program at LaGuardia just isn't meant to be for me. My director brought up a very good point: I already have my B.A. If I'm going to spend two years of my life committed to study and knowledge, I might as well get a graduate degree.

    I'm crossing my fingers that Gallaudet blows my mind and turns out to be a perfect match for me.

    I went to the Annual Deaf Expo at the South Street Seaport last weekend. My two dear friends took me and showed me around, introducing me to all their friends and acquaintances. I saw a few of my "regular" patrons from my 9-5. It was great seeing people and talking to people in sign. Jeremy told me there would probably be a fight. I couldn't believe him. A fight at an expo/festival? Doesn't make sense. Festivals are places where people celebrate their culture and share their joys, services, products, and religion. Sure enough. Two woman got into a fight, where one ended up falling to the ground. A group soon surrounded them as bystanders signed, "Why are you fighting? There's no need to fight!" The rain started to come down and the sky darkened. It was like watching a dramatic climax in a movie.

    Aside for the fight, the expo was amazing. ASL flew from the dock to the restaurants, from the boat to the vendor tables, from the bars to the hip hop crew rapping in sign while the back of a van blasted instrumental hip hop and reggae beats.

    I didn't want to leave.

    Saturday, August 14, 2010

    Survey Says?


    Mr. Chair has since submitted the official status of my acceptance:

    DENIED.

    I found out last Monday, but in an effort to refrain from a more emotionally inclined post I have waited until today. I was so very disappointed. More than I thought. I cried, I cried again. I thought I was done with the tears because I knew, before getting into the class, that I had not been accepted.
    But I still cried.
    Failure is not something I am accustomed to. It hurts. Last year I failed in my application; I didn't even get an interview. This year I failed my interview. And now my wait list.

    I haven't failed like this since my DMV driving test.

    But, I'm not giving up.
    I'm already RSVP'd for the Open House at Gallaudet for their graduate school. I've joined one of those yahoo! Meetup groups ASLNYC. the group has a lot of beginners. They're all beginners, but I'm happy to be signing and making new friends. While at the last meeting, 2 of the girls invited me to a Deaf mixer tonight.

    My ball is starting to roll.

    The Deaf Expo is coming up and a good friend of mine is going with me.

    All three of the elementary schools of the deaf are hiring classroom assitants and I'm sending my resumé.

    When one door closes, three more open.


    - Beamed from my Soul Phone

    Sunday, August 8, 2010

    Please Oh Please


    So tomorrow he's back.
    Like JAWS.
    Like Eddie Murphey
    Like Steve Urkel
    Like Freddie.
    Like summer vacation is over.

    He will be back in the office to tell me thumbs
    Up
    Or
    Down
    As to whether or not I am accepted into the Two-Year Interpreter Educator Program.

    Oh sigh. I hope someone drops out. I hope someone gets stressed out. I hope someone's cat gets sick.

    Ok, no I don't. Not really. Not this time, for reals!

    I just want them to accept me!!!!!! Let me in, let me in! I'll do a good job. I work hard. I get e erything done (last minute). I'm friendly and work well wit-
    No I don't.

    But Im a good leader!

    Please oh please oh please let me be accepted.

    Amen

    - Beamed from my Soul Phone

    Thursday, August 5, 2010

    Now what?

    Class has ended. Whew! Such a bittersweet taste lingers on my fingertips. Fingers that have been making shapes of classifiers, fingers looking like people, fingers running down the hall, fingerspelling my proper nouns.

    Sweat flings from my knuckles and brow as I discuss my research paper. Nervous, shaky, stomach butterflies, and a dry throat plague my body before I use it as my mode of communcation. Questions are answered and ideas are shared. Laughter and snickers make for smiling and bouncing faces. My teacher points to the speaker with his fingers as to direct the conversation.

    Fingers fly with ideas.

    Tonight I felt like those Lexington kids I read about in Deaf Studies books at Christmastime.

    Alone.
    Lonely.
    Seperated.
    My friends talk about orientation and semester planning. They discuss requirements and flip cams. Papers and transportation. Study breaks and meet up groups.

    Tonight is the last night I will be a part of this family. This interpreter family. Yes I will see them again, the community is only so big. But our intimacy is cut short tonight. For alas, I have not been accepted... yet.

    Please, ASL Gods and Godesses: Accept me into your world. Let me become a part of this magical family.

    I feel like the Little Mermaid.





    - Beamed from my Soul Phone

    Summary Journal Entry

    I came in this class wanting to make friends, strengthen my ASL communication skills, and learn more about Deaf History and Deaf Art. This class has touched on so many different topics within the deaf community. Luckily, John gave us so much information within the short period of time we spent in each subgroup. I am definitly inspired to do my own research regarding Deaf Queer
    Communities, Latino Deaf, Racism in the Deaf community, and Health concerns.

    I am still unclear if I am accepted to the program. I really hope I am accepted. I am going to miss the comeraderie of the group. I will miss meeting these friends and sharing Deaf culture together. Whether I am accepted or not, my journey into the Deaf World has just begun.


    - Beamed from my Soul Phone

    Sunday, August 1, 2010

    Video Link to LGBT Research Project

    First Draft of presentation in ASL about Deaf Queer/LGBT Teens in America.

    Rough draft.
    Rough.

    Feedback? Thoughts? let me know!

    Last Journal

    Wrapping up my research project on Deaf LGBT teens in America, I am inspired to create a full length documentary about the experience of a Queer Deaf teens. It would be great to have video interviews with people across the country, compare the data with government rights, state protections, job opportunities, college success rate, etc.

    If I'm not accepted to the program, I just might work on this video project freelance. It would be interesting to see what people have to say.  That would also be good work to submit for grad school, especially to Columbia or Gallaudet.

    I am feeling more comfortable about my skills for the presentation. I practiced with Jeremy, my Deaf friend, and reviewed John's feedback with him. My Keynote is complete, awesome! And so is the paper...well, almost. I've been working on my sentence structure in ASL, and trying to be less englishy. I am learning this is a skill that must be worked on persistently; it doesn't come over night.

    Also, I was recommended to tape myself signing and then review my performance. And a glass of wine won't hurt prior to performance.

    Just like dance.

    I am looking forward to the rest of the program. If not, then I need to find classes like this. ASL language classes will benefit me, but I need the meat and potatoes of the community as well.

    Wish me luck!

    Thursday, July 29, 2010

    Interpreting Filters: signing through a mirror.

    Wow.

    Tonight's discussion involved everyone in class. I think because we all can identify somehow someway of discrimination and filtering ourselves. I have been heavily involved in the Queer scene in Sacramento and the Black and Latino communities. Through the reading my preconceived notions were strengthened and elaborated. But tonight's power point asked me questions which I had to answer, I was no longer looking at another community under a magnifying glass. I was looking in the mirror with a magnifying glass.

    I was suprised to hear John talk about interpreters who look down on the deaf community. But Im also glad that he did. We discussed how we may not even be aware but our own prejudices can color our interactions as interpreters and our own history, values, beliefs, dislikes, etc. may not jive with what the client states. Our job is to keep it real and be true to the client's word. Sure, we are human too. We made need a personal break, but only if it's a neccessity and an option.

    I wish I could stop signing like a hearing girl.
    Today in class I tried to mouth less to see if it would coerce my sentence structure into a more ASL-like format.

    Please God, let me sign ASL by next Thursday!


    - Beamed from my Soul Phone

    DEAF Blurb

    I want to read more Deaf literature. Stories, studies, anthologies and idioms; I need it all! I wish I knew more deaf people. SLC will help. I keep trying to volunteer but no one seems to be looking for help.

    Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

    - Beamed from my Soul Phone

    Sunday, July 25, 2010

    Journal Tid Bit

    The discussions we have in class and the articles from the assigned reading are helping
    forcing me to push my previous experiences through a new perspective filter
    and
    cultural lens.
    Guiding me to interpreting my own experiences with
    ASL
    deaf people
    Deaf people
    CODAs
    hard-of-hearing folks
    SEE
    and so on
    and so forth.

    I'm seeing a bigger picture and broader interpretation of how/why/what went down.

    Thank you John!!!!!

    Friday, July 23, 2010

    Journal #3

    I have really enjoyed the latest reading assignments. The chapters which discuss Literacy have really pulled back the curtains for me. I always knew that ASL had its own syntax, rules, vocabulary, sentence structure, etc. But I never could quite find the way to bring it all together to make a point. Or to make sense out of it all. How does that relate to written English? How can I express these concepts and relationships to the hearing world ignorant of ASL? The reading has given me the tools I need to provide solid theories, information, and references for these conversations.

    The more I know about the Deaf experience, perspective and what the varying perspectives may entail; the better I will be able to coomunicate cross-culturally. The section in last Tuesday's class where we discussed how children acquire language skills really opened my eyes to how many factors contribute to how someone communicates, comprehends, relates, infers, expresses, and develops.

    Also, John has remided us that this isn't just research. This is our client. This person with developmental disadvantages with low language skills and lack of world knowledge is my client. Now why do I do?

    I will remember what I learned, discussed, and shared in this class!

    - Beamed from my Soul Phone

    Thursday, July 15, 2010

    Journal #2

    The recent reading has proven thought provoking. Before this class I took pride in my awareness of Deaf cultural issues, concerns, needs, equal rights and access, and how to communicate those words to the hearing world. I thought I knew why hearing America has made the choices we have made.

    As they say in ASL: WRONG-me!

    Yes, I had an inkling. I have been on the right track. But my engine hadn't taken me anywhere. Now, I feel like I'm really turning the ignition and warming up the machinery as a whole.

    When I read the section discussing disability; how and why that term is defined, what it encompasses, its facility and oppressive nature; its got me thinking. It's unfortunate that the information in chapter 17 has not been been shown to me until just now. It is surprising and alarming to think that people are so ignorant of things which, to me, are common sense; and that such audacious theories could be taken so seriously truthful.

    I want to become more involved in Deaf Advocacy. Not so much the ADA side of things, but the cultural side. After tonight's discussion about education, rights, needs, variations, choclear implants, aids, speech therapy, etc. I feel even stronger about becoming involved with Education and the Deaf community.

    Tonight I remembered that in eighth grade I told my mentors I wanted to become a daycare instructor for Deaf children. Well I don't think I'm still focused on daycare, but I am interested in becoming a teacher of the Deaf or an interpreter in an educational setting. I've toyed with the idea of attending Gallaudet for grad school.

    I am learning that there is a lot happening in the Deaf community: very recently and in the now.

    There will always be conflict.
    There will be stubbornness and support.
    With generational change, different needs will arise. If I wanna be a part of this movement, I need to be prepared!


    - Beamed from my Soul Phone

    Saturday, July 10, 2010

    Journal Entry #1

    Deaf Culture.
    Deaf Studies.
    Deaf Cultural Studies.
    d/Deaf Intra-Cultural Studies.
    Where do I fit in? How do I fit in? Do I fit it?

    This Summer I leap into the academic study of the sociology of Deaf communities within America. Thus far we have discussed several points, ideas, theories, ideologies, and perspectives. Of course a few hot topics stand out to me:

    1.  Deaf Culture is (surprisingly) a relatively new idea/movement.
    2.  The community had to decide, define, and describe: "What is Deaf culture?"
    3.  What have we stood for?
    4.  Where are we going?

    All encompassing those four thoughts is this: Who decides? How is it decided?


    These discussions in class have really opened my eyes. I feel like a curtain was pulled away, the window was dusted off and I can see an entire new perspective. I have always identified as a Deaf cultural advocate, admittedly not very active, but an advocate nonetheless. I have stood up for equal access, equality in the workplace, and equal rights in communication. I have educated my peers, my coworkers, my employer, my friends and family regarding what I know about Deaf culture, lifestyles, practices, ethics, and etiquette.

    After reading chapters one and two in Open Your Eyes and the energizing discussion in class last Thursday, I am aware that I have a lot to learn and am eager to make room for this new knowledge. I am so grateful to be able to share opinions and perspectives with my classmates. It's nice to hear how other "hearies" have/are experiencing ASL and Deaf culture already, and also what their concerns are. I like having a safe place where I can speak sincerely and receive a thoughtful and honest response.

    I am humbled by the experience of my classmates and am learning new signs from them every time we meet. I leave class so energized, anticipating what I will read about and see in class the next week. I feel like I'm finally getting the education I need to fulfill my professional goals.

    Personal goal: Look into classes at Sign Language Center to keep proficiency up and running!