Melanie Page

I wanted to give an update on what I’ve been doing this summer. So far, I finished two accelerated courses: psychology and sociology. Both are basic 100-level classes, but when I transferred to Bethel University, I realized that some of my bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University wouldn’t fill in the gaps.

For example, despite taking several psychology-related courses at CMU, they are listed as HEV. Because HEV isn’t PSY, Bethel decided I needed to take a Psych class, so I did. As for sociology, I studied adolescent development with a sociology professor, but again, it was listed as HEV, not SOC. Oh, well. Getting more information never hurt anyone, though I wish I did not have to pay for it!

On Monday I will start Introduction to Christianity and Philosophy — two classes I definitely did not take at CMU when I was there from 2003-2006. I’m doing these classes that make students well-rounded during the summer for three reasons: 1) the tuition is 1/3 of what it costs during fall and spring semesters, 2) I can take them online and save gas money, and 3) then I can focus solely on ASL and Interpreting courses during the regular term.

I continue to attend all the Deaf Nights Out (DNOs) that are scheduled near me, mainly in the Michiana area and in Kalamazoo. The Kalamazoo nights are 75 minutes away, but they are really fun and last for 3-4 hours, so it’s worth the trip. Both groups feel very different, which is likely due to the size and vibe of the areas in which they were formed (Indiana leans more conservative while Kalamazoo has younger, more liberal residents, who support local breweries).

I also attended my first Michiana Deaf Alliance (MDA) meeting after being invited to join by the president. I was so honored to be welcomed. At the first meeting I did not vote for anything because I am both new and hearing, but based on facial expressions, I think some members were worried that I did not understand what was going on. Just figuring out the group, that’s all. Plus, I thought it might be rude to start voting on my first day. Perhaps the Deaf community sees it differently, which means I need to ask.

This coming weekend is a fundraiser with the MDA to support the USA Deaflympics women’s bowling team going to Germany. One of the members of MDA is on the team, so I’m planning to volunteer with food sales at the event. The president and her husband, in addition to other volunteers, cook ribs, chicken, garlic bread, and hot dogs. I performed the same role when we traveled down to Indianapolis for the annual reunion/celebration of the Indiana School for the Deaf. It’s amazing to watch so many people excited to see old classmates, and I like walking around to see what Deaf artists and vendors have for sale.