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February 8, 2006
A Freshman's Introduction
Hello, my name is Gregory Mendenhall (call me Greg) and I am 19 years old. I hail from Warren, Ohio, a small town about an hour south of Cleveland. I was mainstreamed throughout my educational career at an excellent school district named Champion, which was about a fifteen minute drive from my home. Champion has a deaf education program, and it contains about a total of 75 students. Champion has also taught me a lot, academically and personally. I owe much of my success to my wonderful teachers and interpreters. Also, I had a great support system at home, parents who supported me every step of the way (I do consider myself fortunate).
Because I was mainstreamed, I was a bit wary of coming to Gallaudet, but like I said, I had a great support system in my parents and teachers, and they encouraged me to come to Gallaudet. Also, the summer before my senior year, I attended the Young Scholars' Program for two weeks, and it was one of the most memorable experiences in my life. I met numerous high-ranking people in the duration of the program, and they also encouraged me to come to Gallaudet. I know some of you may be asking why was I a bit leery about coming to Gallaudet. There's a lot of reasons, which include me being afraid of leaving my family and friends, I was afraid I wouldn't fit in at Gallaudet, and because I had been mainstreamed my entire life, I thought I wouldn't be able to understand what was going on.
Leaving home was difficult, but I made friends fast at Gallaudet, and we are now like brothers and sisters. Fitting in at Gallaudet was easier than I thought it would be. It also taught me in order to make new friends, you need to break out of your shell and introduce yourself to new faces every once in a while. Trying to understand what people were saying was not has hard as I thought it would be. A week or two after arriving at Gallaudet, I could understand what a room full of people were saying. I tend to worry about little things a lot, and in the end, I was worried about nothing. I am happy I chose Gallaudet, and I am thankful for the people in my support system; because without them, I probably wouldn't be where I am today.
The first semester at Gallaudet went by without a hitch. It went by really fast, and before I could soak it all in, it was Christmas break! Home for a month! I didn't want to go home, because I thought I'd be lost without my friends, who I've lived with for several months, but we all have maintained contact and we are still close. It really helps when you meet new people during New Student Orientation (NSO) Week. NSO Week occurs a week before school starts, and all new freshmen and returning students are required to attend. It covers all the basics about Gallaudet University, from where buildings are located to where you can get help. It is very helpful for all new students, and that is where I met a lot of my current friends, besides waiting in the lunch line introducing myself to strangers.
As a History and hopeful Secondary Education major, I must say Gallaudet University is a great place to earn a post-secondary education degree, and I know I belong here. Gallaudet University has done a lot for me, and it has been a very positive experience, overall. I am proud to be part of the class of 2009, and I look forward to the future years I spend at Gallaudet. I will stop blabbing, as I want to have something to say for my next blog.
Until next time,
Greg
Posted by Greg at February 8, 2006 4:06 PM
Comments
Hello Greg, I have read about your blog. It's an excellent blog. It was great to hear that you gone through alot of experiences and now you are capable of doing anything And also knowing that, You have your family and friends to support you no matter what happens. I'm very glad to have a friend like you. If it wasnt for you, I wouldn't know what I would do without you. I hope everything goes great in the future.
Posted by: Nicole at February 9, 2006 5:35 PM
