How I became interested in politics

I was always attracted to politics while growing up but never imagined that politics would become a possible career until I came to Gallaudet University. From my discussions with people and from classes, I found myself becoming increasingly stimulated especially in a place like Washington, D.C. The immersion made me realize that politics is a field where I can make a big impact on both deaf and hearing constituencies. So that’s what I really want to do – make a difference.

Washington, D.C. is one of the most powerful cities in the world, and Gallaudet University’s right here. So it’s very special to be here -- to be near all the political events, the senators, foreign diplomats and all those embassies – all of these only a short metro ride away. So definitely, living in Washington, D.C. helped increase my participation, interest, and understanding of the political system.

Professor Marquez

My professor, Dr. Frances Marquez, from the Government Department has had many years experience working in politics, both in her home state of California and here in Washington, D.C. In the classroom and outside the classroom, she was able to bring her experience and knowledge of the field to the students, and that was a huge asset. We were able to have a greater understanding of politics, the government, and its workings through interactive experiences such as the Latino Political Training, DNC, and through meeting various people. It really was a gratifying experience. It's an asset that Gallaudet University has professors like her with that kind of in-depth experience within their fields.

Democratic National Convention Seminar

When the Government Department presented an opportunity for students to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, I enthusiastically applied and got accepted to attend along with eight other Gallaudet students and two faculty. It was an academic seminar with two-week series of lectures, workshops, and different kinds of participatory experiences -- a really in-the-field kind of exposure to the world of politics.

I also worked as a volunteer in the Boiler Room – the center of floor operations at the Pepsi Center. That was the center for all operations, the room where decision making happens. My responsibility was the logistics of signs and banners for the night that Hillary Clinton gave her speech. The signs that you see on TV in the audience -- I had to ensure in getting them out to the audience on time.

During one of those nights at the DNC, I was working as Access Security at the Pepsi Center on the third floor, which was reserved for VIPs. It was that night I met so many celebrities, including Jamie Foxx, Bill Clinton – I actually shook his hand--, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Mayor Daley of Chicago, and many other important people on the third floor. I will always remember that night. Truly, there were just swarms of famous people everywhere. That was fun.

Last January Gallaudet University likewise provided us with another opportunity to experience the world of politics through the Presidential Inauguration Academic Seminar in prep for the Inauguration 2009 of Obama. A group of Gallaudet students and myself participated in the Washington, D.C. academic experience with lectures by important people. This was also with 650 other students from universities across the nation.

Getting politically plugged in

I also signed up with the College Democrats of America and the Young Republicans in order to be informed on both sides and to reach out to people on both sides of the aisle. It’s important that deaf people be always involved in politics - with the Democratic and Republican Parties regardless - because if you focus all your support on one party, then the other party will not understand your issues as much. So it’s really important to get involved in both the Republican and

In my blog I emphasized that it was important that deaf people get involved in the political process and make an impact by voting and volunteering because when you vote you have a voice in the system. You can have a say in whether you like or dislike decisions by the election of your lawmakers. By volunteering you interact with the campaign staffers and your local people. Political candidates will take note when you volunteer for them, meaning they’re more likely to hear you out and to take into consideration your political issues so they’ll listen more to deaf people if deaf people are more involved. You all should have a seat at the table, as my professor would say.

Social learning at Gallaudet

One of the best things about attending Gallaudet University is not only the education I get from the classes or the opportunity that Gallaudet gives me but also the peer-to-peer, social interaction learning that I get from my friends here at Gallaudet. One of my friends worked for the Hillary Clinton campaign, and he would tell me stories about the political campaign and about working with Clinton. He, in fact, became close to her. Also, another friend of mine worked closely with the local Republican campaign, and would also tell me interesting stories. So from both of them I learned about their different experiences. It is beneficial because you’re not just limiting your learning within the confines of the academic classroom experience but also benefitting from the social interactions. Frankly, I can't get that at any other university.