The Right Fit

I chose applied liberal arts because it provides a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, and problem solving—essential skills for my career goal in community development and inclusive leadership. RIT is the ideal place for me to grow academically and socially because it offers outstanding accessibility, an inclusive environment where deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students learn together, world-class faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities.

As someone who grew up as one of a few hard-of-hearing students at my school, I didn’t have affinity to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. I had hearing loss my entire life, and I used spoken English to communicate with my hearing family and friends. I choose RIT primarily because of its niche in mechatronics engineering technology program and its focus on STEM, and the competitive financial award I received.

When I enrolled in the New Signers Program, I began learning about Deaf culture and American Sign Language. I met so many other non-signing hard-of-hearing peers I could relate to and I am grateful this course introduced me to a part of my identity. I appreciate how RIT embraces diversity, and is a place where I don’t need to fear divulging my niche hobbies, such as yo-yo and origami. I like to make things, work with people, and keep learning, so I joined the space exploration club, became a math tutor, and participate every week in No Voice Zone to continue learning sign language. RIT inspires me and I am happy I chose this college.

I transferred to RIT from a community college and it’s the best decision I made. I have always had a passion for photography, and pursuing this major has allowed me to enhance my skills in editing and retouching images as well as learning new skills in designing, organizing, and producing print and web-based media for consumers. I not only found a major I love, but I found my identity as well. I’ve met so many wonderful people and I enjoy living and learning in an environment that embraces diversity and respects all.

Accessibility to all aspects of the college experience and a diverse and inclusive community made RIT a better choice for me than another university I started at. I had limited access to peers like me, and I struggled to take part in activities because of the lack of communication accessibility. Here at RIT I have access to the best technical education including research and co-op opportunities while being supported by a higher standard of accessibility for the Deaf community that helps bridge any communication gaps. I feel comfortable in my ability to show up and pursue the education I want authentically.

I transferred from another college because I felt lonely as the only deaf student in my major. RIT has been a better choice for me because of the beautiful combination of deaf and hearing individuals into one inclusive community, the co-op experience I get in my field before I graduate, the connections I make with faculty who are invested in my success, and the larger department in access and support services RIT offers deaf and hard-of-hearing students. My dreams are coming true at RIT. 

RIT is a unique environment because it offers the best of both worlds—I get to be immersed in both the hearing and deaf/hard-of-hearing worlds. Being able to interact with both communities; having access to information through interpreting and captioning services wherever I go; and seizing the various academic, volunteer, and research opportunities that have been offered along the way, are just a few strong reasons why RIT has been a wonderful fit for me. I’ve appreciated the diverse opportunities that are preparing me for graduate school, such as being part of the RIT Undergraduate Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (URISE) for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students, getting extensive research experience, and going to professional conferences. I’ve also enjoyed the fun opportunities and events offered on campus and meeting deaf and hard-of-hearing students from all over the U.S and across the globe.

RIT is exactly what I expected. I was able to combine aspects from my passion in chemistry and business and create my own major in these different fields of study. The resources I found here for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, including access to interpreters, captionists, and assistive technology, and the support services such as tutoring and advising services, counseling services, and peer mentoring programs specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, have truly benefited me. Furthermore, getting to participate in two research projects as an undergraduate student is something most of my peers at other universities don’t see until graduate school. RIT provides me with a well-rounded education, hands-on experiences, and a network of support, all of which is helping me succeed in college.

Accessibility for deaf students, strong academic rankings, and having many clubs and organizations were important to me when searching for a college. But finding a place where I belong was most important. As a deaf person I can find my groups easily here. The courses I took prepared me well for participation in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, a 10-week research experience focused on accessible technology, and for my co-op at PNC Financial Services.

RIT’s superior reputation, outstanding access and support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and co-op opportunities sold me on RIT. I am enjoying my classes and the access services I get has allowed me to have a better classroom experience.  My favorite aspect about RIT is the learning environment for education. Having the opportunity to take different electives has given me the chance to experience various areas of computer science and help define my career path. My co-op at Google allowed me to apply my course work to real professional situations and develop additional technical and soft skills. Completing a co-op is one of my favorite aspects of an RIT education.

I initially was interested in RIT because the university has support and accommodations for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT also has excellent engineering programs and many opportunities that support my interests. Not only could RIT help me pursue my dream of becoming a biomedical engineer, but also support me in becoming an advocate for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The extent of the resources I have found here shows that RIT values our education, and I couldn’t ask for a better college with an excellent support system. Another thing I love about RIT is the people on campus. There are outstanding professors and staff members who are there to help you reach your goals and want to make sure you succeed. I have made good friends who respect me, and I am gaining confidence and independence. I have learned a lot about myself as a person through my studies here.

I came to RIT because of the mix of the Deaf and hearing communities—two very different worlds that I can enjoy in one place. My major prepared me well for my co-op experience as an intern in the industrial coatings group at DOW Chemical Company because I got lots of hands-on experience with lab equipment in my classes. My co-op provided me real-world experience in coating sample preparation and industry standard performance/applications test methods, and helped me develop my communication skills by presenting to Dow groups and intern cohorts. I also am a research assistant at the Deaf Health Care and Biomedical Science Hub, also known as the Deaf Hub. RIT is everything I expected.  My co-op experience, networking opportunities, extracurricular activities, and all the resources here I can take advantage of are creating the best experiences for me during college.

I had a little trouble making friends in my mainstream high school because I am deaf. I lacked the confidence to partake in social situations because I was afraid of being excluded from my hearing peers. For college, I realized I needed a place where I could fit in to help me be successful, and RIT has been amazing in helping me. Everyone is so friendly and supportive. I love that my classes are hands-on and that I got to do a co-op at Dominion Energy in Mineral, Virginia, that gave me real experience in performing engineering calculations, analysis, research, and design. After finishing my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in architecture and start my own architecture firm.