Community Engaged Learning & Research

Before arriving at SLCC, I worked at the Jean Massieu School for the Deaf. Before that, I worked at the Maryland School for the Deaf upon completion of my Bachelor's of Science degree in Deaf Studies. Throughout my degree, and the years since, my role within the Deaf community has been one of an outsider; someone who knew sign and was a strong advocate, but a hearing person just the same. Now that I am in the Interpreting Training Program at SLCC, I view the Deaf community in a slightly different light. When entering situations within the Deaf community, I am now more focused on the interpreters; where they are standing, their sign/English word choice, et cetera. I also feel a lot more confident with these interactions, and voicing any questions I may have.  

My experience with civic learning relates to classroom learning through showing versus doing. I have learned a lot about ASL and the Deaf community, but going into the community, connecting with real people, that’s what civic learning has taught me. My classes have taught me about the differing interpreting styles, and all the instantaneous choices that interpreters must make, which I am now able to notice when observing those who are certified.