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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I like the image of a dog following a tennis ball. It made me giggle but I know you're quite a lot smarter than even an exceptionally-bright-above-average-Lassie-like pooch.
How are the desks structured? Are you at tables in ciricle or semicircle so you can more easily see the room, or is it classic classroom setting where all the students sit in rows and face the prof?
ha ha...sometimes in class i feel lassie and i have something in common :)
all my classes are set up "the deaf way" with the teacher at the vertex of a sort of semi-ish circle. it is still sometimes a challenge to see everyone, though, because if you are sitting right next to someone and they are signing facing the teacher, you are seeing the signs at an angle. also, the other day a fellow student was signing the other way, and i could see her hands, but her face was blocked by her long curly hair. you wouldnt believe how important it is to see facial expressions when you are watching someone sign. i couldnt understand a word without seeing her face!!!
Post a Comment