NCCC Success Story

Hometown: Durham, NC
Major: BS in Communications, May 2024
Preferred Communication: American Sign Language

Tell me about your high school experience (mainstream, only deaf person, were your friends hearing or deaf or both, how would you describe yourself?):
I was mainstreamed and part of a small deaf program with about 15 deaf students. I experienced both hearing and deaf classes.

What process did you use, or what steps did you take, when you were searching for colleges and deciding which one to attend?
At first, I considered Gallaudet because I thought of it as a "deaf-only" option. However, one of my teachers, who was an alum of RIT/NTID, influenced me. They were a role model who emphasized the diversity and balance between the hearing and deaf worlds that RIT/NTID offers.

When you were searching for a college, what things were important to you?
I was looking for a place that had a healthy mix of diversity and accessibility, where I could find balance between the deaf and hearing worlds.

Why did you choose RIT/NTID?
RIT/NTID is accessible, has a wide range of resources and programs, and doesn’t impose limits. There are so many opportunities to find what fits you best!

How did the way you see yourself as a deaf or hard-of-hearing person influence your decision to enroll at RIT/NTID?
As someone from a hearing family, I wanted a place where I could balance both worlds and feel represented.

What makes RIT/NTID a good fit for you?
The accessibility at RIT/NTID is unmatched. The technology, note-taking services, captions, and interpreting make it a great environment.

Are there any unique benefits gained at RIT/NTID that you could not find elsewhere?
The access and resources at RIT/NTID have been incredible, from technology to interpreting services.

What are your peers like at RIT/NTID? Do you have a mix of hearing and deaf friends?
I have a mixed group of friends, both hearing and deaf.

Are you involved with any extracurricular activities on campus?
I advise and consult with peers, though I’m not actively involved in formal campus organizations.

How has your experience at RIT/NTID prepared you for your career?
I’ve gained valuable experience working in research labs, particularly at the NTID Research Center on Culture and Language, where I was a research assistant for one year. It has helped me focus on research that benefits the deaf community.

What is your career goal?
I want to continue research focused on helping the deaf community, particularly in medical settings. I aim to become a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) specializing in medical contexts.

Describe RIT/NTID in one word:
Welcoming!

Have you done a co-op yet? If so, please answer these questions:

• Employer Name and Location:
  NTID Research Center on Culture and Language
• What was your position and work responsibilities on co-op?
  I was a Research Liaison. My responsibilities included creating flyers for social media promotions and developing materials for the program.
• How are your studies at RIT/NTID preparing you for your career?
  Some classes directly discussed the work I did during my co-op. I was able to apply what I learned in class to my job, making the connection between academics and professional experience very strong.