Deaf President Now! Those words have meaning for those of us who witnessed the change. A change like described in "Who Moved My Cheese." No one, I mean no one in the Deaf world expected such a drastic change in our culture. I for one never thought I'd be living and participating in the History in the making.

Gallaudet University is a vast campus, beautiful with buildings dating back to the 1800's. So much of of historical richness fill the place. To be honest with you, I am proud to have been apart of the history of Gallaudet. I am needless to say am proud that I am a Black Deaf Male who learned, lived, loved the very place that has given me the opportunity to grow. To learn more about myself as a Deaf Person. Something my mother nor my family could teach me. But often I do get this question: "What is it about Gallaudet?" Well that is a question you have to answer once you, yourself set foot on the campus of the Only Deaf Liberal Arts University in the United States.

What does it means to be Deaf? Can you imagine waking up, not able to hear a sound? Alarm clock ringing, coffee maker beeping, kids yelling playing, and dogs barking? A silent world isn't easy for a person who cannot hear. Yet, it isn't easy for a person who can't hear to speak. Why? We get laughed at for we sound funny. That's why so many Deaf people developed hostile attitudes towards the hearing world. We're tired of being shunned, looked down upon and ridiculed because we sound, look, act and think differently than others.

But seriously, what does it mean to be Deaf? It means that I am a unique person that God has put on this earth. I am different for I shall not hear evil. I am different because I can see the world's action through my eyes instead of through my ears. I am different because I can still communicate all by using gestures, body language and of course, American Signed Language. That's what it means to be Deaf.

Gallaudet has done something to me, for me. Something that no one, not my family, my mother or the years of life that has befallen upon me could do. As a Sociology major, I see the world differently, I analyze it differently as do many other Deaf People. It's hard to explain the brotherhood of Gallaudet/ Model Secondary School for the Deaf.

Pioneers have strived, struggled and yet were the ones who championed our successful lives as of today. If it weren't for the French who lead the world almost three centuries ago with Deaf Schools and Educators. If it weren't for Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a preacher who saw the brilience of a young girl people thought she was dumb and mute. If it weren't for the first Deaf Teacher, Laurent Clerc who brought his wisdom, knowledge to help grow the "Deaf Kingdom" if you will. Our culture is a kingdom to us, yet it makes us unique.

Why is Being Deaf so Unique? It is Unique because there are other ways to communicate instead of using sounds, vocal cords. We as deaf individuals can write, draw, dance, and sing (sign). I know I have said sing, because we can. Maybe not like Justin Timberlake or Jordan Sparks. But we can sing with our souls, imaginations and hearts. We are unique because of our view on the world. The world sees us differently as we see it differently. That is why I am so upset when parents find out that their children are deaf. The very first thing they want to do is make them bionic. What does this mean? Cochlear Implants or C.I.'s. Don't fix what isn't broken. Our ears aren't broken, we are merely unique creations of God's work. Why so many parents are embarrassed will never be understood by me or millions of other Deaf people who think as I do. Yet, the main thing I get from parents: " I don't want him/her to struggle in a world that will mock them because they're deaf". Well that is the world's problem for being ignorant. That is why Deaf Advocates are stressing, " Don't look at us in Shame, look at us with awe." For yes we are different, speak different. But we're not dumb, we're not stupid, nor are we mentally challenged or retarded for those who still use the old slang. We just simply cannot hear. But we can think, express our thoughts and feelings just as good as our hearing counterparts.

Being Deaf does have its advantages and disadvantages. To a sense me, I am glad I am deaf because I don't have to be drafted to go to the military and serve my country. I love my country the good ole US of A. But I terribly fear my government. I am a little smittened that I am deaf because, I cannot be a police officer or astronaut or firefighter. Yes, the slogan says, Deaf People can do anything...Except Hear. But we cannot hear a gun being cocked. or a floorboard creaking if someone sneaks up on us; or a click of a bomb getting ready to explode. Those are the disadvantages. So if you want to now what's it like to be in our shoes, please do this experiment one day. Put ear plugs in your ears for a few days. Walk around your house and try to see if you can hear your toaster, smoke detector, doorbell, or even a car horn. Then you can truly understand what it means to us to be Deaf.