I've been here at Gallaudet for a little over one week, and I can honestly say that so far it has been one of the most exciting, challenging, rewarding experiences of my life. I thrive on busy-ness, and these last few days have not let me down in that respect.
I have settled into my dorm room with my fabulous roommate and suitemates, and sadly kissed Dan goodbye on my birthday. He's going back to Portland for a while, and he seems very excited about his plans there, so I am happy we are both busy doing what we want to do, but I know it will be difficult not seeing him often.
My classes are amazing. If I could only understand them, I'm sure I would be brilliant within a few weeks. They are all signed, but the format of the class and the style of the lecturer really change my experience. My ASL Media class is easy to follow because the professor is super clear and the work is very hands-on. The Deaf Cultural studies class is a much greater challenge because the professor encourages open discussion. Let me tell you, it is a REAL CHALLENGE trying to keep up with the native signers in my class--they bounce ideas back and forth so fast, I feel like a dog watching someone "throwing" a ball, but really just putting it behind their back. You know that feeling? When you turn your head around in three different directions, looking for the ball, then realize it is right beside you? Yeah. that.
I am so happy to be living on campus. It is one of the greatest joys of academic life to have your bed, your classes, your work, your food, and your friends all within a mile of each other. "The Good Life."
Now I just have to figure out how I will manage to chew through piles and piles of books and articles in time to discuss them.
On a personal note (yes, I know my whole blog is personal), I stopped by the University of Maryland today and got to see my undergraduate mentor, David. He is just the neatest guy. I always like him when I was in school, but my fondness for him has grown stronger looking back and seeing him again.
Other exciting news--I'm getting involved with the theatre department here on campus! More on that will follow later.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
my first experiences at gallaudet
I have arrived at Gallaudet University after a very fun and refreshing road trip across the country!! (see silly pictures below)
here are my first impressions of my new home:
Gallaudet itself is much smaller than UMD--and the feeling as I moved into the dorm was totally different. At Maryland, as soon as you show up, you get lost in the shuffle, pushed out of the way, and you have to wait in lots of long, long lines. Here, people were immediately smiling and offering to help carry in my bags from the car, and it seems the school truly is dedicated to accessible communication and developing a community feeling from the very first day.
People always say the Deaf community is small, and my first day at Gallaudet was solid proof of that. waiting in line to get my parking permit came the greatest surprise and happiest moment of my time so far here at school. through the door walked my high school friend Jen's mom and sister...and her sister is a freshman at school here this Fall. I hadn't seen Jen or any of her family for years, and it was such a surprise and delight to see them walk through that door! Whenever people ask for the long story of why I started learning ASL or taking an interest in Deaf Culture, it always winds up back at Jen's house, meeting her Deaf family for the first time. That experience was one I didn't give a second thought to at the time, but I think I learned something then that I have carried with me years later.
My second surprise (and further reinforcement of the "small world" thing ) came in the dining hall. A favorite teacher of mine from Washington State was eating lunch with a guy I had met in Portland..little did I know, they are father and son! Wow.
I am set up in my new spot in Carlin hall, where many of the grad students live. I have 3 suitemates (one of whom is an actual room-mate), lots of books stacked up on my desk, a brand new mailbox, and 1 dinky chair.
Tomorrow morning is orientation for my department and I couldnt be more excited!
I hope all is well with friends and family, please write soon!
here are my first impressions of my new home:
Gallaudet itself is much smaller than UMD--and the feeling as I moved into the dorm was totally different. At Maryland, as soon as you show up, you get lost in the shuffle, pushed out of the way, and you have to wait in lots of long, long lines. Here, people were immediately smiling and offering to help carry in my bags from the car, and it seems the school truly is dedicated to accessible communication and developing a community feeling from the very first day.
People always say the Deaf community is small, and my first day at Gallaudet was solid proof of that. waiting in line to get my parking permit came the greatest surprise and happiest moment of my time so far here at school. through the door walked my high school friend Jen's mom and sister...and her sister is a freshman at school here this Fall. I hadn't seen Jen or any of her family for years, and it was such a surprise and delight to see them walk through that door! Whenever people ask for the long story of why I started learning ASL or taking an interest in Deaf Culture, it always winds up back at Jen's house, meeting her Deaf family for the first time. That experience was one I didn't give a second thought to at the time, but I think I learned something then that I have carried with me years later.
My second surprise (and further reinforcement of the "small world" thing ) came in the dining hall. A favorite teacher of mine from Washington State was eating lunch with a guy I had met in Portland..little did I know, they are father and son! Wow.
I am set up in my new spot in Carlin hall, where many of the grad students live. I have 3 suitemates (one of whom is an actual room-mate), lots of books stacked up on my desk, a brand new mailbox, and 1 dinky chair.
Tomorrow morning is orientation for my department and I couldnt be more excited!
I hope all is well with friends and family, please write soon!
Monday, August 13, 2007
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