Day 1:
The school bus came in early morning, and I was excited and a little scared at the same time, because it was my first time being away from my family. When I arrived at UConn, I met my assigned Personal Care Assistant, Joel. I had my photo taken then we went to the first aid room and I let the nurse know what to do with my medications. Then Joel and I went in my dorm and we discussed about my needs. As a Personal Care Assistant Supervisor, I felt overwhelmed when explaining everything to an employee, and I started to feel much more independent than from home.
We went to a small group, and introduced each team member, then we went to meetings. They were about disability awareness. At lunch, I got to choose different kinds of food. After lunch, my group had discussions then went to meetings.
Day 2:
In the morning, I got to dress and shave in my own way of living with assistance from Joel and he was very cool and easygoing. Then we ate breakfast and went on the bus on the way to accessible camp. I was involved in a lot of activities that I never thought I couldn’t do, due to my disability. I did roping, attempt to go inside of “spider web“, and the group connected hands and have others try to get ways around without disconnecting arms. We had Outback for lunch then all of groups gathered together to play logic games.
At the talent show, everyone listened to the music and the interpreter introduced me and he told everyone that I was very special because I was the only deaf delegate and he read my poem. Everyone clapped at me and they said that they understand how I feel.
Day 3:
My group discussed what they have learned and came up with a team name, cheer, and song. I created “Future Advocates of America”, and the interpreter taught my group ASL and we came up with the song:
“We are the future advocates of America, we are the group that will lead the way. Yes, we will lead the way“
Then the interpreter converted the song into sign language:
“We are future advocates America, we are group that will lead way. Yes, we will lead way”
I went to annual dinner and dance, I sat with my deaf BRS counselor and other deaf/HoH retired BRS counselors from all over the state of Connecticut. We had fun chatting and I ate Alfredo for dinner.
After dinner, I danced with Heidi (my deaf BRS counselor) and girls danced around me. Kathryn and I held hands and we danced together, and she sat on my lap. It was very funny when other people did some peculiar dances.
Day 4:
Joel and I started to pack up for department and we went to breakfast. Then my group practiced cheer and song, and then I had free time in my dorm to ensure that everything was all packed. Then I had a banquet and went up to the stage with my group. We signed the song, cheer, and received awards.
The End