HOMEWORK

Today I am working on my paper that is due Tuesday. It's for my Deaf Community and Culture Course.
We were split up into 4 groups and had to read different articles.

I had to read Outsiders in a Hearing World- by Paul Higgins written in 1980

SOOO I DEFINITELY DIDNT like his OPINION! or maybe it was the way his choice of word rather -but anywho I will be debating that and I have to do it in less than 450 words. KINDA HARD WHEN i disagree with a lot!

THE TEXT STATED :

“some hearing individuals are courtesy members of deaf communities. They may be educators, counselors, interpreters, or friends of the deaf. Often they have deafness in their families: deaf parents, siblings, children, or even spouses. Yet their membership is just that, a courtesy, which recognizes the fundamental fact that no matter how empathic they are, no matter that there is deafness in their families, they are not deaf and can never “really” know what it means to be deaf.

I want to present a strong argument on how I do understand the concept and I DO grasp what the writer is saying but I do not fully agree-

Being a CODA  is a part of my identity. Now that I am 20 years old and at an age where I am becoming myself and aware of who I am as a person I have come to the conclusion that I have Deaf culture embedded into me. For example I have different views than a person who only has one Deaf parent- whereas I have two. At a young age I had to grow up and carry out tasks for my parents- didn’t realize it then but I realize it now that it has shaped who I am as a person. Individuals that are Deaf tend to be information seekers- this may be perceived as nosey ( but since they are Deaf- knowledge in a sense has been enclosed- so they (Deaf people) share what they know.  I myself am not Deaf- but I definitely possess that attribute.

I have 2 instructors in the course- and in one of my instructors lesson their slides proclaimed that 5 percent of indiviuals are born into a Deaf community with Deaf parents. I am using that as one of my points in my paper and I JUST REALLY NEED TO GET STARTED!

A quote from the book is “activities provide the BODY of the community, identification and shared experiences provide the SOUL”

My upbringing included more than just socially interacting with the Deaf Community-  so hopefully I can gather my thoughts and present a STRONG PAPER- I hear my professor marks QUITE HARSH.

out and about in the town

woke up to a text message and then we went for china buffet at 2.
WE ALL ATE TILL WE WERE STUFFED - didnt want to smell food and couldnt even look at if as we browsed the shops in the city centre lol

Shopped.

Then went bowling today then went to the local bar on campus- today was a marvelous day :)

TOMORROW HITTIN THE BOOKS

dreadful beginning

Got up for class at 8...and I didn’t want to move-played some music and my getting dressed wasn’t too bad. Went to class and he read from a power point for 2 hours. I could have done this myself in my pajamas. SMH I can’t get the hang of this... I don’t know if American's have a form of ADD but I just couldn’t do it. We had a break for 10 mins and I wanted to leave.  Well during the break- this one lady in class asked me if I had went out last night..due to me being tired. I told her about the Guild so it's not like I went out for casual drinks and put myself in this predicament of being extremely tired.

After other's joined the convo and asked how was I adjusting? I told them that the food is very different and just seems to not have taste to me- they suggested trying Indian cuisine ( I'll give it a try- but it may be TOO MANY SPICES LOL)

After class as me and this guy (Michael) was walking out- he asked me what part of America I was from- he lived there for a while. He was really cool and he wants me to cook for him because he misses food from down south lol. It's so easy to make friends here I absolutely love it. We had a great convo and he even corrected my slang---I told him that I was bummed last night and UMMM APPARENTLY I cant use bummed because here it means something with your B U M.  OOPS -LOL

OHHH for Valentine’s Day or the weekend before rather I got invited to SPARKLE HEART. I joined the UCLAN/ Deaf BSL SOCIETY :) they are hosting an event and I can’t wait to show you guys pics (I'll prob do a slideshow or something)- I have to wear something sparkly and I HAVE SOMETHING IN MIND

  I am about to print of my ideas for my paper and take them to my teacher as I hear- he marks quite harshly. But in the meantime I have been thinking about my Gilman Follow up project. I need a couple of questions to ask random people.

I was thinking along the lines of what languages do you speak? Have you ever seen anyone communicate with their hands? Have you ever learned about picking up sign language? Do you know anyone that has a hearing impairment? I'm not sure as of yet but I have ran across lots of interesting things that I can put it in. Wednesday I will be going to a Sign Language Class and the teacher is big on DEAF AWARENESS. He gave me some information and I hope that I can work with him closely for the couple of months that I am here (fingers crossed)

2ND week at the Guild

It's going on 1 am and I have a 9 am class. I was about to cry with frustration because I got an overwhelming feeling today- it's quite silly but I just couldnt help it. It is hard for sign language to be my first language and come to Britain in a pub full of Deaf people and I can barely spell my name without screwing it up. Everyone is so friendly- but I am not that pateint with myself.

We stayed until the lights got turned off and we got kicked out so DEAF CULTURE IS THE SAME WHEREVER YOU GO LOL.

I met this boy name Paul- Deaf- and into politics. It's not my forte but I can hold a intellectual convo if need be. Well we dabbled into that and then we discussed the school systems. He shared with me that the Bachelors that your recieve in the UK is vauled more than the one in America. I asked was that an opinion or a fact then shared w/ him the differnce in systems that I have observed.

1. 40 percent is passing in the UK... lol US thats not gonna F L Y
2. Class is 2 hours once a week- some are 4 for example HUMAN ANATOMY....my university class is 3x a week for 50 mins OR 2x a week for 1h15m
3. The lecturers talk about NOTHING- I could have read my powerpoints in my room
3. There arent bi- weekly tests like most of my courses back home. my grade is composed of 3 writing assignments here

after i gave him the rundown- he took that statement back quickly- difference of opinions but i also shared that it depends on which university you are attending and which program within that school and the professor OF COURSE

i have class at 9 and its 125 ill update this tomorrow for sure...im trying to get better!

Things have been hectic- when I am busy- I'm busy and when I have down time- I DONT WANT TO DO ANYTHING

well on Thursday the Deaf community meets at a local pub- THE GUILD. Before going I actually learned only how to spell my name- so when they signed back I was S C R E W E D. I ended up having to write in order to communicate with the students but they were so "lovely"- they use that term a lot here and I love it!

At first I was interacting with Deaf Students and it was awkward to be fluent in American Sign Language but not in British Sign Language. By the end of the night I learned nearly my whole alphabet. The girls & guys were so friendly and I actually got invited to hang out with them again on Saturday- it was exciting! But at the pub- where we just drank a few beers and socialized I was overwhelmed at first learning all the new signs and observing other's conversations and not recognizing ANYTHING. I got introduced to this man whose name is Sam, he knows 8 sign languages- he picked up a lot of them as a kid I was so fascinated. Although, he knew ASL he made me speak to him in BSL to get me out my comfort zone and practicing- I guess I appreciated it lol.

This study abroad experience is the best opportunity any student could ever ask for! The girls I have met are actually in my class and Amy is a ChildOfDeafAdult (CODA)- like me (she had Deaf parents) :)
I feel like I can totally relate to these girls- they are interested in the same things as me- and we just totally have bonded.

With the other American girls- We went to Liverpool this weekend (it's where Marsha Ambrosius- a singer) is from. We went into this 4 floor museum and it was so cool. Each floor had a different theme and one theme was about the Titanic and other forgotten ships that experienced tragedies and another was an International Slavery Museum. In a completely different building was the Beatles Museum- you couldn’t have paid me to go in there & one of them was actually free lol. I did end up on MATTHEWS STREET(where the Beatles performed)- so I took pics.

FUNNY STORY- I made a scene in McDonald's (unintentionally)
I ate burger king and met my friend in McDonald's- it was completely packed so we had to sit at a dirty table where coffee was spilled and make the best of it. SOOO the cleaning crew came and "cleaned up" the other half of the table and took my friend's fries I guess not paying attention- Shannon looked at me after she reached for her fries and they were TOTALLY MISSING. So i got the cleaning ladies attention and told her that they must of mistaken the trash and she kind of exploded at me- SHE INSISTED THAT SHE DID NOT THROW THEM AWAY- so I replied OH CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST JUST GOT HUNGRY AND TOOK THEM! We had our little spat and the other British people just watched in amazement lol. It was actually hilarious- afterwards the lady caught me glaring at her and huffed! So I mimicked that for the rest of night- she huffed so hard her mustache actually fluttered a little lol.

ASSIGNMENT

I am informally learing British Sign Language. It is so hard to actually motivate myself because just watching it is so discouraging. I look for words that are familiar (there arent that many- and some of them mean something TOTALLY DIFFERENT). In my Deaf Community & Culture course- there are 2 Deaf students AND I cant even talk to them. :( IT REALLY BITES & I cant even describe how that makes me feel.

I am learning the hello, phrase my name is....in British sign language and it reminds me a lot of Hello, where you- In American Sign Language. SO I DEFINITELY WILL BE CONFUSING MYSELF. I have about 4 hours to just chill and go over some stuff & this is extremely overwhelming.

NITE NITE

well before I go to sleep since I havent blogged today and its 417 am -
UGH my mind is like still in the US-
talked to a professor and signed into his class--think ima drop it and sign into the wed class.
My roomies convinced me that's like OVERKILL- and this is a vacation :)

Went to the doc this am...woke up early at like 7 something to take a shower and then called around 8 and wasnt sure if they were open cuz things here seem to open late and close early- idk how they get paid lol BUT she referred to my lesion on my arm as a wart- IDK what the hell is going on but ive never had a wart in my life. Im freaked out cuz i dont want it to spread and also IDK WHERE THE HELL I GOT IT FROM. she prescribed me hydrocortisone w/ sterorids SO THIS BETTER WORK.

Well on another note I went to THE ASSEMBLY- a club. Had a great time with the girls. Drunk a lil and they gave us free shots that tasted like cough medicine slightly- NO WONDER WHY IT WAS FREE.

at the bar we met some british lads who introduced themselves and asked why did we pick england and what did we like and dislike. I told them that It was weird seeing hot dogs in cans & he replied IN AMERICA THEY SERVE CHEESE N CANS. He had a point but then again we have more varities of everything as far as what I have seen for groceries unless im looking in the wrong places.

met this girl today in the store T mobile and supposed to be meeting her again tomorrow in the mall- if my plans fall through I'll share why we met up again.- im heading to bed finally its 426 and i have a long day sorta- 2 classes dropping 1 and adding another :/

things ive forgot

OKAY TALKED TO MY BESTIE AND AFTER TELLING HER WHATS BEEN GOING ON- IVE REALIZED IVE NEGLECTED YOU GUYS ON A FEW THINGS

• I've been having trouble finding my hair products and when I finally did find some- I asked the women for ethnic hair care products AND SHE HANDED ME A PERM- for those who aren't aware I am natural- Which means I do not chemically alter my hair (& felt offeneded when she handed me the perm/relaxer) I percieved that she did feel that my hair was socially acceptable :(

                  I wasn't bummed about it- I actually laughed b/c my reaction definitely could have been totally different than what it was

• There are restrooms located on the paths/sidewalk that you have to pay for -

   I kind of think it's ridicolous that you have to pay to do a normal bodily function :/

• I'm trying to change my schedule because I only have classes on Tuesday (from 1-7)

• The hotdogs here are mainly in cans OR jars WHAT THE HECK!!!!   EW
• I am currently taking multi-vitamins because I am not eating properly- the food here is disgusting in my opinion.
• Oh AND  I have to head to the doctor by Wednesday- I think Im breaking out in a rash. My skin is sensitive and it's just my luck that I have something. :(
• OH AND IM DEFINITELY IN A PARTY TOWN-  its very interesting because I often complain back at home I have nothing to do.

Barcelona!

just booked my flight with the girls SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!!
:) - study abroad is the best experience ever- you cant be abroad and not travel and it was only like 75 bucks for the flight!!!!!

Follow up project

OKAY HERE'S A BASIC RUNDOWN OF WHY I'M IN ENGLAND.

My minor is Deaf Studies & both my parents can’t hear - so that is what sparked my interest

I am the recipient of the Gilman Scholarship :) and I soon will be receiving funds to make my own project sharing what I have learned with whoever I desire.

• My goal is to share with students to take advantage of the opportunities that colleges have to offer- you can also learn so much OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.
• I am taking a Deaf Community & Culture course and have 2 Deaf Students in my class- so I observe the interpreters all day (BECAUSE IM FASCINATED THAT THE SIGN LANGUAGES ARE SO DIFFERENT)
• I WANT TO MAKE A PROJECT BUT I DONT KNOW WHERE TO START
• A friend told me to make a video that shows how we (HEARING) people order food in a restaurant & how Deaf people order food.
• I have the opportunity to learn British Sign Language informally because their course runs all year and I am only here for a semester.
• I have came to the conclusion that this project will be a Deaf Awareness Project but I really want my viewers help in deciding what I should include in it :)

a little too comfortable?!

Went pub hopping last night. It was cool some old creepy guy tried to hit on me and kissed me on the cheek- HIS BREATH SMELLED HORRIBLY- but the girls I was with thought it was absolutely funny! He kept trying to make creepy conversation but I definitely kept those sporadic convos S H O R T. He offered to buy me a drink and he was kind of sketch so I turned that offer down rather quickly.
The first week of classes UGH. I tried to sign up for a class titled disability studies and my advisor said she would give me credit for it- only to find out the class was offered last semester and not this one FML! SOOOO i will totally be taking a class just for an elective but Im not sure if I want it to be the one I am looking at. If it is- I only have class on Tuesday (what am I supposed to do with my life on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday) I just know I'm going to need to throw a couple of drinks back, after my nap on Tuesdays.

Upon approaching the dorm- a lot of ppl were gathered outside laughing around. I went over to see what was going on and a Drunk - Gullible guy was being convinced he would be so cool if he would jump off this bench as if he was superman- but ended up bellyflopping into a bush- HE'S GONNA HAVE UNEXPLAINABLE BRUISES WHEN HE SOBERS UP. ooohhh & I caught it on video lol

1 day of classes

I woke up and thought it was 6 am.... At least that’s what my computer said. UMMMM IT WAS 5 when I went to the library to get my laptop set up with internet the man changed my settings. I didn’t realize this until I went to class a WHOLE HOUR EARLY then left because no one showed up! Then saw my flat mate and she told me that my time was OFF :(

Well I went browsing shops in town and saw an adapter for 99 pence & I paid about 10 pounds for mine. I shall be RETURNING IT!!!!

CLASS- I had Deaf Community & Culture and this class is going to be F U N. I miss my favorite professor back at home but this one will suffice. He is cool- and I actually have 2 Deaf students in the class. I was staring at the interpreter to try to catch any similarities in the signings &&&&& THEY ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I was told that the Deaf people in the community and the students (Deaf and Hearing) all hang out at the Guild's on Thursday nights. I will absolutely be joining and will update you guys all about it---& this will be interesting to add into my documentary for the Gilman Scholarship I am the recipeint of.

Well class is totally different from back at home- it's only once a week and my grade will compose of three grades. Which are all writing assignments---THIS WILL BE INTERESTING :)

Today I cooked for 6 people- and was kind of nervous- NOT THE BEST & CERTAINLY NOT THE WORST....I made good old fashion hamburgers! I wanted to season my meat with my usual but they definitely don’t have it there so LOTS OF ONIONS did the trick for flavor---YUM!

At dinner - it was 6 of us- we talked about EVERYTHING.
 Even though America and Europe is a lot alike- it's very different! Instead of saying THANK YOU- it's CHEERS (I sound so corny saying it). They drive on the left of the road and not the right- it can get confusing when trying to cross the street. Everything - or just about- closes E A R L Y.... like around 530 :(
Instead of how may I help you, It is - You alright?
OHHHH & they call it toilets instead of restrooms lol
A friend went into a pub and asked where the restroom was and the reply she got was UMMMM U CAN REST RIGHT HERE LOL- that definitely made my night. Lunch is their biggest meals of the day so when we go for drinks at night- food isn’t cooked for us TOTAL BUMMER!

I STILL DONT HAVE INTERNET BUT THE LIBRARY IS 24 HOURS SO IM BLOGGING AND CATCHING UP WITH FAMILY THROUGH OVOO & SKYPE! (completely free :]  )

let's RECAP the past few days :)

  PACK LIGHT- how in the world do you do that- (try to pack your life for 4 months in a suitcase that weighs less than 50 freaking pounds)- TALK ABOUT MIGRANE

ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT & I JUST KNEW MY MOTHER WAS GOING TO CRY- lol I did, she might've when she got in the car( I got a text saying- I WANT YOU TO COME BACK)

Flew from charlotte to NY to Paris to Manchester THEN got lost taking the train to Preston- and my bags arrived two days after I did :(

At the airport I saw another student who looked just as lost as me- who had more bags than i did so i introduced myself and we found out we were headed to the same place.AT LEAST WE GOT LOST TOGEHTER

SOOO now I’m hungry! we were fed Lamb- I definitely was trying to stay on Mary's side and not make her mad!

GRRRRRRRRRRR- that’s what my stomach said in the middle of the night OR AM RATHER SINCE America is 6 hours behind PRESTON, LANCASHIRE!

Adjusting took some time but now i am A-OK. I seem to be the only student who is having trouble connecting to the internet but it's okay...its like 30 of us that are a tight knit group.
I’ve met people from Paris, Portugal, Netherlands, California, Missouri, Germany, and trust me THE LIST GOES ON & ON!

Had orientation thursday and friday- FRIDAY woke up SAW SNOW- and went back to sleep- Im 20 Im pretty sure I know the how to cross the street!

We went shopping in Manchester which wasnt too far and the mall was GREAT!!!!!

IT WAS BONDING TIME FOR US AND GET YOUR ESSENTIALS WHILE THEY'RE HERE- HEHE

Monday Jan 10th- the 1st day of classes- I didnt have any THANK GOODNESS
Classes are once a week and that is totally different from what Im used to but I'll definitely let you kno how that works out for me.

BY THE WAY THE WEATHER ISNT TOO PLEASANT!

Out on the town- in the mall- it had different thems I'll show ya later- Im definitely not computer savvy lol