Looking back at my placement experience, I realize how absolutely beneficial this has been for my confidence, and my language development (i.e. receptive, expressive and finger-spelling skills, as well as my ASL vocabulary. I was so nervous when I first met my supervisor, but now I realize there was absolutely no need to be anxious. My supervisor has been so welcoming and helpful throughout my time here, and he has never hesitated when it came to helping me and offering useful advice to help me improve my ASL, my confidence, and my knowledge about Deaf Culture and the Deaf World. I came here very shy, and that is still something I have to work on, but placement has definitely helped me begin to break out of my shell, take more chances, and …show more content…
I have also been able to observe interactions between Deaf people, between Deaf and hearing people, and also between Deaf people and interpreters. Again, I was lucky enough to have a very supportive and helpful supervisor. I asked him so many questions about how I should act as a hearing ally when in Deaf space, and what I should and should not do (i.e. when I should and should not interpret, etc.). I feel the experience I have gained has been so beneficial, as I have been able to witness and observe interactions, I have socialized within the community, and had someone to ask as soon as any questions or curiosities arose regarding Deaf Culture and etiquette within Deaf space.
Overall, I feel very fortunate to have been placed with this organization for my practicum. The knowledge and experience I have acquired here could not have been possible by simply reading about or studying Deaf culture, ASL, and the community. I am more than satisfied with my progress since February, and I feel that this experience will continue to benefit my learning, as I continue to stay in touch with my supervisor, and offer my services for the organization whenever