Here it isn't so bad. There are still moments where I feel excluded, but overall it's a major improvement. My quality of life has definitely improved. And I don't want anyone to think I posted this for the attention; usually I'm happy when the issue is just accepted and essentially ignored. But I think it's important to realize that not everybody has the wonderful people we do now, that being the only one of something isn't always a good thing. I've missed so much growing up, and missed out on even more. It really sucks when someone doesn't want to call you because they get too frustrated with a phone call, or people don't want to talk to you at school because much of the conversation is "what?" or "huh?" Standing in the lunch line and staring off into space, or sitting alone because it was too hard to decipher who was speaking, that is an awful feeling. It's something I wouldn't wish on anyone.
I'm sorry if all of that is really depressing. But sometimes it's necessary to look at the darker side of things; not every deaf person had a wonderful life full of Deaf community involvement, not everyone had the support they needed.
And now you know, and knowing is half the battle,
Steff
I feel the exact same way. I was blessed with a handful of friends and a teacher who tried everything in the world to help me understand what was going on in class or what the group conversation was, but even then, there's only so much you can do and so much work you can put into it before it gets aggravating.
ReplyDeleteThat's also one of the main reasons I want to be a Deaf Education teacher. Because I had one in school, by the name of Mr. V, which I called him because I couldn't pronounce his Italian last name, haha! He helped through alot of issues in school from understanding everything in a classroom to teaching me a bit of sign language which he always used when talking to me, no matter that I didn't really use it. He also helped me by being a good friend. He passed away a few years ago and I remember crying forever because I lost a best friend and an inspiration in my life. But he helped everyone in my school to help me. And that is honestly how I got through school.
But yes, not every student has the support they need and that's what needs to be important in their life.
And please, please, PLEASE, never say I'll tell you later or don't worry about it to a deaf person
Thats truly soul-depth irritating and painful to hear, personally.
That is so sad, I'm sorry you had to go through those experiences. That is truly heart-breaking. Definitely keep that story in my heart for when I am a Deaf Educator, and try to keep those experiences to a minimum for my students if I can help it.
ReplyDeleteI feel you. I am glad you are sharing your experiences with us. I had my own problems in school many years ago. I was the nice personality girl. I stayed off to myself because of such comments. I didn't keep in touch with many of my high school friends either. I felt out of place until I went to college and realized ladies could have hips and a little weight and be beautiful. I hope students are more understanding in college to the both of you. I think both of you ladies have much to give to this world and you two are unique just like I am and everyone else you know. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. More on your mind let us know. I am listening.
ReplyDeleteBefore I had ASL classes thats exactly what I thought it was like being deaf or hard of hearing. I mean I knew of ASL but didn't think of the Deaf having such a large community and everything. Just lack of exposure and not knowing. But I'm glad to know that not everyone has such sad experiences growing up nowadays. I'm sorry your school experiences were that way.
ReplyDeleteBut hey, now I have SED 337, already an improvement right there :D
ReplyDeleteThis is a blessing in itself, because we are able to have an insiders view on the particular subject. I wondered what it was like but never had the courage to ask. I think simple ignorance to the matter is really the underlying factor, and we owe it to you all for enlightening our perceptions.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 9 years old, I wore the head scarf. This is a prominent moment in a girl's life, because in the Lord's eyes we become women. This added a lot of responsibility on my part. I had to stay clear from boys, laughter, sleepovers, parties, and relationships. Most of these things are life's pleasant experiences and something that all the rest of the kids my age grew up with. This caused a loss of friends and a loss of girlish innocence. I'll never forget eating lunches in the locker room, for a lack of a connection with the rest of the student body. When I arrived to the States, it was a new beginning. Since I shed the exterior layers, I also shed the interior layers. I am finally coming home to myself.
ReplyDeleteSteff - While I'm sad for the bummer experiences you had in HS, it is brave of you to post such revealing comments here. Your experiences, while unpleasant, show the need to be inclusive and to not leave people out of things, whether it's in school or in society. A lot of what you relate is relevant to what we've discussed in SED 337 - namely making things inclusive and accomodating to those with communication needs, particular with young students, but it is also applicable to everyone.
ReplyDeleteSteff, Thank you for sharing your experience with us, I know it's not always easy to share personal stuff such as that with a bunch of peers. Although I hate that you had a not so pleasant HS experience, It does help inspire me to not only to not be that teacher but to also help teach the peers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. It really opens my eyes to just how terrible certain things can be and how when I am an interpreter I can address these issues
ReplyDeleteSteff, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story with us. I know it can be hard at times as you mentioned during your past. But like you said now that we know, knowing is half the battle. It is good for everyone to understand the experiences of others to better prepare for them in the future. Thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteOh the joys of GI Joe (where the "knowing is half the battle" came from) :-)
ReplyDeleteSteff