Growing Up Deaf: The College Years

Long ago, I attended NTID at RIT (and later, Gallaudet). As the 35th anniversary reunion at NTID begins, I am struck by all the changes on the campus, while other things are still the same. Seeing certain things again brings back some of the fading memories - the circle and the fire alarms, the Dining Commons, Grace Watson, and more. A major change is that the dorm elevators now open only with keys in the evenings as well as the outside entry doors!

One old dormitory is long gone - it is replaced by a child care center called Margaret's House. Building continues on the campus. Walking around, trying to find the dormitory where we had to pick up the keys, I noticed a construction crane not far away.

Nearby, the small shopping plazas have morphed into more typical large suburban centers. My son was thrilled to discover that Old Country Buffet is nearby in Southtown Plaza!

At the opening ceremonies, the new NTID alumni association officers were sworn in to applause. There were speeches by David Strom and Bob Davila. I missed part of the opening ceremonies because I was waiting in line to get a picture ID done (there was only one computer, and it was very slow). The goody bags given out included a free copy of Deaf Rochester News and other things - I have not yet had a chance to explore the contents.

Tomorrow will be very busy - lots of workshops, many focused on employment-related concerns. There will also be some major receptions to honor alumni.

It is good to be here again after so many years...as one of my old NTID friends who had attended both NTID and Gallaudet likes to say, "Gallaudet was nice but my heart is at NTID..."