The Gallaudet Experience

Prior to entering Gallaudet University in the beginning of 1988 I knew it'd be a mix of students who were new to signing to those who were native signers. I knew there would be students who wore hearing aids and those who don't. And I also knew that there were be those who have no problem speaking or even use the phone. I came prepared knowing what to expect despite my beginning foray into the world of signing.

Once on campus and got settled into my dormitory it wasn't long during the first year in 1988 that I made numerous friends and along with them did I discover the Union Station, see the sights of Washington D.C. , dance to the loud incessant booming music of Rockfest, met up with George and several of his friends in one of his friend's dorm where beer was flowing, and saw this one deaf guy was gifted in interpreting all those Billy Joel's music that I was even impressed. I went out to bars with my friends, and did the usual stuff what many college students would normally did except that I didn't go and get drunk or lose control of my bodily function. But my main focus and goal was to finish my degree as early as possible since I put off hold on my college work for a few years after transferring from a Georgia college and tech school. It was simply time to hit the books in a much more serious fashion since I wasn't getting any younger. And I wasn't about to dawdle and waste valuable time except during important breaks for own sense of sanity.

The number of friends I made was incredible though the selection I made was purposeful that matched my tastes and personality. I needn't to hang around imbeciles or truly obnoxious people. Though through the three years I was there before graduating I learned about the one obnoxiousness thing at Gallaudet University. The unbelievable amount of Deaf politics that permeated the very fabric on campus. The first clue I learned was purely accidental because of my goodwill nature to help people who ask. In this case, it was several students who asked me to order pizzas for them over the phone on one of those Friday/Saturday night requests. I obliged. No problem. After doing the orders they would thank me and that be the end of it. But the funny thing was that I started to noticed something unusual after doing this several times. None of them even dared to acknowledged my presence on campus which was interesting. The campus cafeteria. Nope. The campus grounds or hallways? Nope.  I talked to several of my friends about this odd behavior did I learn about certain "cultural attitudes" by those who don't look favorably toward "non-native signers." Which I found quite laughably funny if not full of hypocrisy after doing all those phone ordering. And how petulant it was, too.  But I gave some of those people the benefit of the doubt yet the response was still the same on campus even after I agreed to order pizzas for them. Then one day, it dawned on me. Those people weren't going to change their behavior. And so I did the one thing that pretty much got them angry on a very important night. It was a Friday night  those same group of people asked me if I can order a bunch pizzas for them. And what did I say? I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Sorry. I'm too busy." Turned around and walked away.

I smiled, too. 

That was the day my eyes opened up about how Deaf culture and politics can be a ruthless and uncaring place to be in. But not always. Just that instance.


What people don't realize is that I wouldn't trade my experience at Gallaudet University for anything else. It was a one time opportunity to learn about the unique campus culture and the history of it, and the chance to meet more deaf and hard of hearing people in one place. It was a place where I made numerous friends from all kinds of background from hard of hearing, deaf, deaf-blind, and those with cerebral palsy of which one was my roomie. But Gallaudet University as a campus and university have some serious shortcomings. Yet people continue to misconstrue my criticisms in my blogs that it had to do with me getting "rejected" by the Deaf community at Gallaudet University as the reason for the "attacks."  I still chuckle over this misconception of theirs.  And I don't blame them. Little do they know the good times I had while I was there making friends and girlfriends like any other students on campus while studying and working to help pay off the tuition. And have enough gas money for the car and food. My goal was to get in and get out in short a time as possible so I can pursue my graduate degree. And I did that. And in the process made many wonderful friends. And reconnected many of them through Facebook. I still continue to make deaf, hh, and hearing friends today outside of Gallaudet University.

The "rejection" thing is the biggest laugh I hear every now and they do this only because they know me as a blogger/vlogger but not as a person. They say I rant because I felt "rejected" at Gallaudet University? A good laugh over a drink with my friends on any given night whether on FB, VP, the phone or at bar or house with my wife and I with our deaf/hh/hearing friends. That just makes me chuckle. The biggest laugh are the jokers that continue to say those things to this day but in reality do not know diddly what they're saying.

Pretty pathetic bunch they are.

I was right about how cultural and Deaf politics can be ruthless and puerile to the point of utter ridiculous. Make no mistake. I am an alumnus of Gallaudet University. It was a good experience during those 3 1/2 years as an undergrad student and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything else. It can be a good place to get an education when done right. Yet, I am representative of Gallaudet University and nothing can take that away from me. In short, the people who don't like that fact, well, are out of luck.

Good luck to those who continue to rant against me for whatever reasons. And thanks to those who are my friends and comrades in arms. I still enjoy their company, their blogs, and vlogs.

So, maybe my plan is working flawlessly?

*rubs hands together* *heh heh*
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Oh, come on now. Grow some funny bones, folks!

Enjoy!