I had the choice of working at a camp in Oregon for six weeks or working at Anchorage full-time for long as I like.
I was on the fence, knowing that if I work at Oregon- I'll be left with uncertainty in my future after returning home from the camp. If it was for Anchorage, I'll be working full-time. Zero of this uncertainties but I may face some new obstacles in life.
I grew up in a deaf school- residential school where all of my teachers used American Sign Language as primary communication mode. I never really endured any kind of communication barriers while growing up. I do recall some frustrations at my doctor's office when an interpreter isn't provided but that was all. I enrolled in Gallaudet University which is the only Liberal Arts school for the deaf and hard of hearing in the world. I again did not endured or experienced any communication barriers- I only had two hearing professors who were new signers and needed an interpreter to accompany them. I grew up with deaf friends and other friends who used ASL. I interacted with my peers, staff, and teachers who used ASL. I have deaf parents and relatives from my Dad's side however my Mum came from hearing family. I sometimes don't get her and her childhood- she grew up in hearing family and it is a lot different for her. She has experienced all sort of obstacles/barriers in communication but she managed to turn out as a very fine woman. Don't get me wrong, I am truly blessed to have this childhood, this wonderful experience of growing up but IF one can get the opportunity to see the other perspective; why not?
After graduation, I realized: I am stuck in this "gated" community, a bubble, a some sort of sphere you can say. Have I ever ventured out? Have I ever understood the frustrations of other mainstreamed deaf/hoh individuals before?
The answer was evident; no. This lead me to my decision of making a bigger step in life and yes I am excited to be able to say this for real:
I am moving to Anchorage, AK.
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