What is your background?: I am a CODA – Child of Deaf Adults. I was born in Torrance, California and grew up within the deaf community – mostly in California. I was moved to Des Moines, Iowa when I was 14 years old and attended East High School. After graduating, I attended DMACC and earned my associate’s degree. I briefly attended Iowa State University with the intent of earning my bachelor’s degree in the Criminal Justice field. My priorities shifted, and I took a break from school and focused on my growing family. Building and living my life in Iowa, away from my parents and the community I grew up in, I became disconnected with my Deaf culture roots. After 10 or so years, four kids later, I’m back in school taking an ASL course I never thought I’d be taking! There is so much Deaf history I never learned about even though I grew up signing and I am proficient in ASL. It’s amazing and though I’ve always been a proud CODA – even more so now!
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: Earlier this year, I was cast in a local play called “Bury Me” and it was all done in ASL along with voice actors. I was able to reconnect with the deaf community and be a part of something very meaningful for the deaf community. I have also been aware of ASL resources becoming less and less over the years. I wanted to take advantage of this course while it was still available and perhaps, I will find my footing along the way.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: Currently, I am not part of any program of study. I am focused on completing all of the ASL courses that Kirkwood has to offer – one semester at a time. It is what works best for me and my family. I intend to delve more into Deaf Culture, the rich history, and improve upon my signing abilities.
Are you involved in anything on campus? If so, what and why?: I am not currently involved with anything on campus. I live in Des Moines and it quite the commute if I were to participate in anything on campus. My family life also keeps me quite busy!
Are you involved in anything off campus?: As much as I would appreciate being involved in something off campus, I am not. I may look into some events around the city since there is plenty to explore.
What do you do for fun?: I love listening to and critiquing full length albums (car rides are the best place to appreciate such a thing). I love watching movies and tv shows and ranting about how good or bad a particular episode or scene was. And watching my husband and our kids play video games. They are so passionate about their games and it’s so fun watching how they make sense of how to get through their particular game. I play at times but I am not as good – haha!
Where do you see yourself in five years?: I hope to be healthy and happy along with my family. I hope to have found my place somewhere within the deaf community – may that be as an interpreter or something else. I’m really looking forward to what the future has in store!