critical thinking

Okay, so last week I visited University of Tennessee. UT's program is like any other Educational Interpreting program. It is mainstreamed and focused on kids. The area where you study made me want to cry. OMG the asl lab is a closet! of course >.> the classroom was the size of Wood's ASL Lab before the recent expansion...which that is okay. Don't think UT considers investing in interpreting, though it is one of the most needed positions in the state. Odd, isn't it?

I've been gabbing on and on about going to knoxville if i get accepted. Its not cause I am excited, but I am trying to convince myself it is okay to do this. I feel like I'm settling, but there are so few schools that offer what i want. Most of them are like UT. Off hand I would say CSUN, NTID, and Gally have awesome programs. UNCG and Woods are one step below those. NTID and Gallaudet offer classes you cannot get just anywhere for those interested in Deaf studies. CSUN has some of those classes, but not all of them. They are pretty damn close. UNCG and Woods have a Deaf-centered attitude. UNCG is the same program as woods, but half the price ;) Oh and you have more options for concentrations. Programs like UT are conscience of Deaf, issues, history, etc; but, they cannot get further into them because of funding or some other reason. Educational Interpreting focuses on the mainstream. It gives no reason to have a class on Deaf culture, Deaf lit, or Deaf history. You will be working in a school environment, and you don't need to know much more. It is a VERY important job, but most interpreters take on other jobs too when they aren't working. I don't know. I'm quite odd.

I have to convince myself, because I want to finish my education. I can't be running around for the next two years, like I have been since fall of 09. I'm scared of not getting the education I know I could get. Many people think I sound silly, but I learned a lot at Woods about what I wanted to be as an interpreter and the education I want. Its hard to adjust to the changes. I also want to take the chance to get some sort of Deaf studies in my education while I can. Its easier when you have financial aid. I love learning about Deaf society and history. I also want to be a conscience interpreter. I care about those I work with. So much has already been done in our ignorance as hearing to oppress Deaf in the past. I'm afraid of going into a program that does not understand this.

I guess maybe its good that I know what I want and am aware. I plan on if i have to settle then I can make up for it later when I'm done. THere are things I learned at Woods about my education, ad a lot of it depends on me...especially fluency.

UT freaks me out about my education, but I need to get this over with. I can find assistance in the future for what else I want in my education. Gally offers a Deaf studies major as a graduates adn NTID has a certificate that will allow me to take the classes for my own reasons. You never know what the future holds.