My Hard of Hearing journey is one that came to me later in life. Although I’ve had hearing aids since I was 4, coming to RIT has introduced me to a world I didn’t know I was missing.
Let’s back up, however, to some time before RIT. First, I would like to say that I am so grateful to my parents for choosing to give me hearing aids. It gives me access to both worlds, and I am lucky to be in that unique position. I’m also so very lucky that my parents supported me in my big dream to go to the most rigorous ASL program in the US.
Sign Language
I have always known a little bit of sign language. My mother knew some, as she is a special education teacher, and used it with her students from time to time. As I got older, I was always interested in learning more than just the alphabet and a few basic signs. The curiosity only grew stronger when I took three years of ASL in high school. My ASL teacher introduced me to the idea of studying interpreting at RIT/NTID.
I pitched the idea to my parents, and I think they were slightly apprehensive at first, but also excited to explore this unique opportunity. We looked into Gallaudet at the beginning of my college search, only to discover it was strictly for the Deaf. Although having hearing aids would have made me a candidate for their campus, I also was not yet fluent enough (and every class there was taught in sign, including general education classes). So, we were off to research RIT instead.
Coming to RIT
In Junior year, my dad and I took a road trip to Rochester to visit campus. I was in awe as soon as I stepped into the NTID building, as was he! The silence was powerful. I was so fascinated with the emotions and expressions that came with ASL. I immediately felt at home. And we got a sweatshirt from Barnes & Noble that I still wear often.
I couldn’t wait to tell my mom how fun the visit and tour was. I told my parents that was the place I wanted to be. And with that, I started the long-awaited college process. I decided to apply early-decision. The waiting process was so anticipating! I applied early in the fall of my senior year of high school, and didn’t hear back from RIT until January of that year.
When January came around, all those who were involved in my application process and college journey, as well as myself, were on pins and needles waiting for an answer. I checked my email everyday and every hour to see if I had heard anything.
Sure enough, in mid-January, I came home from school, sat down, ate a snack, and opened my email, as I had been doing everyday. I saw that there was an email from RIT saying that I had an “application update.” I assumed it would just be a notice that they were reviewing applications. But, when I opened it, there was a confetti graphic! I immediately had a good feeling. I read the letter frantically and it said I had been accepted into the ASL-English interpretation program at NTID. I was ecstatic!
WHere I am now
I have now finished two years in the program. Though it can challenging and demanding at times, I love it each and every day. I am so grateful that I am on the path to a job that I know I will enjoy. Being at RIT/NTID has brought me close to a community I didn’t know I truly needed. Not only have I learned the language, but I have also learned of the culture within the Deaf community. I admire the Deaf culture so much, and am honored to be a part of it each and every day.