Tiger Heritage Alumni Spotlight
Deaf History Month, 2021
Smitha Hanumantha
BS ’05
Smitha Hanumantha BS '05 started her RIT Career at Explore Your Future, a National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) career exploration program, and left with a multidisciplinary degree in web and graphic design. She started off her career as a marketing specialist at Access Interpreting in Washington, D.C., and then moved to Dallas Texas, to become an integral member of the Deaf Action Center. There, she started off as a marketing specialist and became the creative director for the nonprofit organization. Recently, she moved back to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career as an Integrated Digital Marketing Strategist at Gallaudet University.
Why did you choose to attend RIT?
I didn't choose RIT. RIT made it happen by awakening me to all the possibilities it had to offer - a place to discover my identity, to find new connections, and the opportunity to explore and experience different career paths. It all started with Explore Your Future and ended with my cap and gown and my degree. Looking back to those moments today, they were filled with many great memories and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Who influenced you most during your time at RIT?
Too many wonderful influencers to name during my time at RIT. I wouldn't be in my current role as the Integrated Digital Marketing Strategist if it wasn't for my advisor, Dominic Bozzelli, who encouraged me to expand my career options and for his support as I finally chose a field that led me to where I am today. Dr. Larry Quinsland, a NTID professor of Science and Mathematics, his class was the one I look forward to. He would create this energy of warmth and fun, and created the space and time to listen. As I evolved, in good and bad times, I knew I could look to him for support and I thank you for standing by. To all of my friends, to the ones that keep in touch and to the ones where we mutually dissolved, thank you for influencing my experience at RIT and for making it feel like a home.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their RIT/NTID experience?
Explore the campus and what it has to offer. Make it a point to experience the Quarter Mile. Actively pursue activities that put you outside of your comfort zone. Find YOUR friends and together, make your experience the best possible one. There's so much more to explore not only on campus but in Rochester. So many local finds and worth tasting!
What would you like everyone to know about Deaf culture/the Deaf community?
Deaf culture is beautiful and to live in Rochester, there's such a rich history of the Deaf community so it's fortunate that one would get to experience this and become a part of it. NTID has grown since my time, the expanding campus ground, new organizations and departments which means more options to choose from, and the art gallery that curates deaf artists to showcase their work, and more! After all, Rochester is considered to be one of the most deaf-friendly places in the country.
For hearing people who aren't familiar – what are some of the best ways to communicate with a Deaf person?
Today's world is changing and there's more consciousness to listen and to implement efforts to respect others. The simplest and most basic form of communication is through gestural language. When one travels to a new place having no knowledge of the language, the best way to communicate is using gestures. More specifically, when it comes to communicating with a Deaf person, respect them by staying committed to learning their language, and it all begins with basic signs.
What's your favorite type of entertainment?
Before the whole pandemic, I enjoyed binging on TV shows and now, for my well-being, it was essential to find time away from technology as much as possible. So I chose to read books or spend my time outdoors as much as possible.
Fun fact(s) about yourself?
- Obsessed with Indian snacks.
- Almost always sit crossed-legs.
- I have a twin sister but we were born 4 years apart.
- One of my many best birthday memories at RIT: at that time, I was crazy about the Volkswagen beetle. My friend found a VW beetle on-campus and left a note, asking for permission to allow us to "borrow" their car and it worked. They blindfolded me and surprised me for a short drive around campus. Many thanks to that professor for making this the best birthday memory!
Tiger Heritage Alumni Spotlight
Deaf History Month, 2021
Smitha Hanumantha
BS ’05
Smitha Hanumantha BS '05 started her RIT Career at Explore Your Future, a National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) career exploration program, and left with a multidisciplinary degree in web and graphic design. She started off her career as a marketing specialist at Access Interpreting in Washington, D.C., and then moved to Dallas Texas, to become an integral member of the Deaf Action Center. There, she started off as a marketing specialist and became the creative director for the nonprofit organization. Recently, she moved back to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career as an Integrated Digital Marketing Strategist at Gallaudet University.
Why did you choose to attend RIT?
I didn't choose RIT. RIT made it happen by awakening me to all the possibilities it had to offer - a place to discover my identity, to find new connections, and the opportunity to explore and experience different career paths. It all started with Explore Your Future and ended with my cap and gown and my degree. Looking back to those moments today, they were filled with many great memories and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Who influenced you most during your time at RIT?
Too many wonderful influencers to name during my time at RIT. I wouldn't be in my current role as the Integrated Digital Marketing Strategist if it wasn't for my advisor, Dominic Bozzelli, who encouraged me to expand my career options and for his support as I finally chose a field that led me to where I am today. Dr. Larry Quinsland, a NTID professor of Science and Mathematics, his class was the one I look forward to. He would create this energy of warmth and fun, and created the space and time to listen. As I evolved, in good and bad times, I knew I could look to him for support and I thank you for standing by. To all of my friends, to the ones that keep in touch and to the ones where we mutually dissolved, thank you for influencing my experience at RIT and for making it feel like a home.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their RIT/NTID experience?
Explore the campus and what it has to offer. Make it a point to experience the Quarter Mile. Actively pursue activities that put you outside of your comfort zone. Find YOUR friends and together, make your experience the best possible one. There's so much more to explore not only on campus but in Rochester. So many local finds and worth tasting!
What would you like everyone to know about Deaf culture/the Deaf community?
Deaf culture is beautiful and to live in Rochester, there's such a rich history of the Deaf community so it's fortunate that one would get to experience this and become a part of it. NTID has grown since my time, the expanding campus ground, new organizations and departments which means more options to choose from, and the art gallery that curates deaf artists to showcase their work, and more! After all, Rochester is considered to be one of the most deaf-friendly places in the country.
For hearing people who aren't familiar – what are some of the best ways to communicate with a Deaf person?
Today's world is changing and there's more consciousness to listen and to implement efforts to respect others. The simplest and most basic form of communication is through gestural language. When one travels to a new place having no knowledge of the language, the best way to communicate is using gestures. More specifically, when it comes to communicating with a Deaf person, respect them by staying committed to learning their language, and it all begins with basic signs.
What's your favorite type of entertainment?
Before the whole pandemic, I enjoyed binging on TV shows and now, for my well-being, it was essential to find time away from technology as much as possible. So I chose to read books or spend my time outdoors as much as possible.
Fun fact(s) about yourself?
- Obsessed with Indian snacks.
- Almost always sit crossed-legs.
- I have a twin sister but we were born 4 years apart.
- One of my many best birthday memories at RIT: at that time, I was crazy about the Volkswagen beetle. My friend found a VW beetle on-campus and left a note, asking for permission to allow us to "borrow" their car and it worked. They blindfolded me and surprised me for a short drive around campus. Many thanks to that professor for making this the best birthday memory!