In Vietnam, in my country, I wasn't Deaf. I went to school and
studied in a regular class until I was 17. I was sick for a while. I got an
ear infection and the doctor wasn't able to help. I was very close to
graduating, but they didn't have classes for Deaf so I stayed home.
When I came to Canada I really wanted to go to school, but I didn't know
what to do about it. I lived with my family. I could lip read Vietnamese, but
I didn't know any English. For five years it was like this. I lived with my
brother-in-law and sister and worked taking care of their children. I was on
my own -- no friends, nothing. I would eat, sleep, and watch T.V.
Once on T.V. I saw an interpreter and I understood that there was actually
sign language for Deaf people. Still, I didn't know where to find a school, but
I remained patient. Finally, I phoned the social worker who then visited me,
and I explained I wanted to go to school. At last, he found AVC and I was
really happy!
For the first year I went to night classes. There I learned mostly sign
language. After I learned signs my English learning really progressed well.
Then the next year I came during the day and now I study full time. I had so
much to learn. Not just sign language and English but many, many other things.
For example I had to learn it was O.K. to hug people. Deaf people hug each
other when they meet. In my country that was never done, so I felt very
embarrassed. Here we also learn a lot of life skills. We talk about sexual
issues (which we never would in my country) and how to take care of our
bodies. Most important, we learn how to be independent.
In the future I would like to buy a computer for myself so I can practice at
home. I still feel awkward with English, so I need to study more. I hope to
continue with school and get a job in the computer field. Attending night
classes while I work would improve my English.
My whole life changed as an adult student. I can do things. I can go out
shopping if I need to. I can write down notes to people and when I'm at home I
can use the TTY (telephone device for the Deaf). I've started meeting more Deaf
people and I have a Deaf boyfriend. It's WONDERFUL! I have an independent life
now.
