DeAnna Loudermilk Dr.

Robert Moore ASL 102 Deaf Event Journal #2

Today, Gardner Webb University held an Interpreting Workshop in Hamrick Hall, and I had to opportunity to volunteer for the break. Although I did not seem to be there more than five minuets, when I left I had stayed over an hour! Even though I did not get to attend the workshop personally, I did get to see some of the benefits of workshops and learned a little more about becoming an ASL Interpreter. Those who attended the workshop were working on becoming better Interpreters through theater interpreting. I got to hear and see some of what went on as well has how the interpreters had to use how they sign things to make what is being said seem louder or softer. It was not only interesting but also entertaining, and I really enjoyed watching the Interpreters sign. Before the break I got to meet to some of the interpreters for Gateway and was able to converse with them in ASL and learn about them and what Gateway was about. Not only were they intriguing but also insightful. They were extremely kind and enjoyable to converse with. When the Interpreting Workshop took a break I was able to serve the Interpreters some snacks and converse with them about Interpreting. One of Gardner- Webbs older students explained to me that I would be attending workshops, which in turn made me excited. After the event I realized that I have never been more excited to become an

interpreter in my entire life. I know without a shadow of a doubt this is what God has for my life and I feel blessed to finally be able to pursue this dream.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 102 Dr. Robert Moore December 3, 2010 Deaf Event Journal #4 Friday night I went to a Deaf Christmas party. It was an experience I will never forget. First of all it was the biggest Deaf event I have ever attended. It consisted of several people and the room was really crowded. Everywhere I looked people were signing and it was phenomenal. To be honest this particular Deaf event was somewhat more difficult to meet people, luckily I had friends with me and I saw others that I had met from previous Deaf events I have attended. The fact that I got to see and talk to some of the Deaf people I met at other Deaf events was fantastic! It was great to catch up and talk with them since it had bee a while since I had gotten to go back to Charlotte for a Deaf event since I do not drive in the city. This Deaf event was fun and enjoyable. It was interesting for me to see everything I have learned in class happening right before my eyes. Everything about this event made me appreciate and enjoy Deaf Culture more than I had before, which was surprising to me because I have enjoyed everything I have ever attended with the Deaf. I truly and honestly enjoyed this event and it was quite a privilege and joy to attend.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 201 Dr. High February 17, 2011 Deaf Event Journal #5 Tonight was ASL Table, one of my favorite times of the week because it gives me a place to sign without someone looking at me like I am a nut because I am signing instead of talking. However, tonight was interesting because not only did I get to talk to some of my friends, but also to Dr. Dey. This was a treat since out of all the ASL professors I do not know her as well, and it was a great time for me to get to know her a little better. One of the things I learned from Dr. Dey tonight was how to suggest something to someone. She suggested I take some pain medicine for the pain I was experiencing tonight. While this is something I know a little about, it was nice to see how she signed it as an example for the next time I need to make a suggestion for someone. She shared a story of why she is unable to eat from the cafeteria on campus and why she always brings her own food. It was a delightful conversation that was both educational and fun, something ASL Table tends to incorporate often. Tonight was simply an enjoyable night at ASL Table and as always it was a great stress relief from the craziness of the day. It was nice to talk to some of my good friends, make a few new ones and finally learn a little more about Dr. Dey. I eagerly anticipate the next time I can attend ASL Table because of the practice it gives as well as the new

things I sometimes learn and occasionally I am reminded of a concept that I have learned in the past.

DeAnna Loudermilk November 19, 2010 Dr. Moore ASL 102 Deaf Event Reflection Tonight I went to the silent dinner held at South Point Mall in Charlotte. It was a fantastic experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and will hopefully experience many more times to come. This particular event was unique because I was able to meet more individuals in the deaf community. At this particular event, I was able to sit down and enjoy not only good food but also good company signing instead of talking. This is something that personally, I enjoy doing even on campus, however because we were in public, there was something more unique about this experience. What is the unique aspect? It is that we were a minority in the group. Most of those around us are deaf. After finishing my meal, I was able to socialize and meet some deaf individuals I had never had the privilege of meeting before. I met a man named Deanne, which was great since my name is one letter off from his, as well as Mr. Robert, Dr. Deys husband. I also met very funny and kind couples that have been dating for just over a year now.

Talking to these individuals and having the opportunity to hear their stories and simply have these interactions with them not only help my signing skills develop but also enriches my life. Talking with these individuals I came to one serious realization tonight. That realization is that I have a better understanding of what it must be like to be trying to communicate to someone and only have a small portion of what I am trying to say get through effectively. After thinking about this for a while I realized that the Deaf community face this same frustration everyday. They have to try to talk and communicate with the hearing world that is not always understanding or sympathetic. This really hit hard tonight as I saw one woman ordering a sub in ASL and she had to sign slowly and only finger spell. This really struck a cord as I put myself in her shoes for just a moment. It is frustrating enough some days to have to repeat oneself a few times, what must it be like to have to slow down for someone who cannot understand what you are trying to say everyday? This particular silent dinner is one that I will not forget. These Deaf men and women have a great amount to share with the world, yet they can be held back and have to slow down because people do not know ASL. I can only imagine how much easier their lives would be if they could communicate in ASL and everyone around them understand what they are saying. I realized they have stories and tales, opinions and things to say just like the rest of the world, and I am beyond blessed to be able to understand and appreciate these stories, and have the opportunity to allow these stores to enrich my life.

DeAnna Loudermilk Intro to Deaf Community Dr. Robert Moore August 27, 2010 Journal 1

Tonight I went to a silent dinner near Charlotte at a mall. It was a new experience for me however it was an enjoyable one. I did not know anyone when I walked into however shortly after getting my food the group I was with was approached by a deaf man. It was really great to talk to him but he did not speak to us very long. Not long after the first man left, we were introduced two men, their names were De and Nate. They were extremely friendly and even helped us when we were having difficulty signing. They continued to talk to us on and off the entire night. One time when they were talking elsewhere we were introduced to a deaf and bland man named Patrick. I personally enjoyed seeing him communicate and was impressed with how well he could voice, especially because of both handicaps. By the end of the night I had met a few more people whose names escape me now, but they were all wonderful. I truly enjoyed my time talking with them and appreciated all the signing help I received. Every time I am around the deaf community I am realizing the more I fall in love with it. I feel truly blessed and honored to be able to meet and talk to this wonderful group of people.

DeAnna Loudermilk Dr. High ASL 201 Deaf Event Journal Over break I was able to attend Deaf Church back home where I enjoy going and do so regularly. Going back was a great experience as I was able to converse with Deaf that have seen me go through levels 101 and 102. They helped me to use all the skills I have learned in the past year, while at the same time teaching me more than what I had previously learned. It was a fantastic experience to visit with old friends and converse with them and see what they have been up to since I left for school. In my church, I am the youngest person and the only one who is able to go to college to become an interpreter. My pastor came to Gardner-Webb many years ago, so we were able to converse about school and he was able to ask what has changed about Gardner-Webb. He was also able to give me some encouragement regarding learning ASL and becoming and interpreter. It was great to go back and be reminded that I am encouraged to become an interpreter by my church. I cannot wait to go home during break to tell everyone at church what I have been learning and exchange stories from this semester. They will be excited to hear all that I learn this semester and when the semester will finish up so they can see me this summer.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 201

Dr. High January 27, 2011 Deaf Event Journal #3 Tonight I went to ASL Table on campus. It was fun and since it was the first one of the semester, I was able to spend time with some old friends. It was great to be able to sit at a table and converse about classes and what was happening in our lives. The stories passed around the table were both fun and memorable. At one point during dinner, I was talking to a friend and did not realize that I had gotten my signs backwards; she quickly corrected me so that I was using proper ASL and not signed English. Signed English is easier however my ASL skills are slowly improving with practice. My friend told me that I was doing well in my ASL skills and that I should continue to try and improve. In conclusion, ASL Table was a ton of fun as always, being able to talk with old friends and make new ones as well. It is something I look forward to every week because I get to use the language I have grown to love so much. ASL Table helps me to improve my ASL Sign skills without feeling too bad when I mess something up.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL201 Dr. High January 21,2011 Deaf Event Journal #2

Today I went to Deaf Club. Its been a while since I was able to go and enjoy this club because of work. It was a welcome back party and an overview of what events are taking place this semester. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up on the past events, learn about upcoming ones and even talk to some friends. During the party I was able to catch up with my friend, Stephanie whom I had class with last semester. It was great to hear how her classes are going and how her Christmas break was and what she did during the break. During our conversation I was reminded of an old sign that for some reason I could not remember as well as learned a few new signs. It was a great learning the new signs, as I will be able to use them in the future. In conclusion, Deaf Club was a fantastic experience. It was great to catch up and converse with an old friend as well as to realize all the opportunities to get involved in the Deaf community in the area. It also proved to be a great learning tool where I can go and continue to learn ASL signs and Deaf culture. I am excited to continue my membership in the Deaf Club throughout the semester.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 201 Dr. High February 3, 2011 Deaf Event Journal #4

Tonight was ASL Table in the cafeteria. It was a great experience being able to talk to some friends and interact using ASL and improving my ASL skills. Tonight not many people showed up, but those that did had a fantastic time. I was able to speak with Dr. Moore, Dr. High and Jack making my time both informative and fun. During the evening Dr. Moore asked me what I had done that day when I explained to him that I was tired from running around all day. Instead of using the word and as I had done so many times before, I remembered to use finish as my connector. When I had finished he looked at me very excited and told me that I had finally signed it correctly and that I was dropping the word and well. As small of an achievement this is, it really did make my night just a little bit sweeter. Another thing that I learned during this particular ASL Table is that the Deaf world has several ways for signing the word fart. Dr. High told me a story of some of her students who went out and asked different Deaf people how to sing the word and they got several different responses. By the time it was over, I was completely convinced that there are more ways to sign, fart than there are ways to say it. In conclusion, this ASL Table was fun and lighthearted. It was great to hear what I had been improving, and learn a fun fact about the Deaf culture. This ASL Table was one of the smaller ones I have gone to, but it was definitely one of the most fun that I have attended.

DeAnna Loudermilk

ASL 201 Dr. High February 17, 2011 Deaf Event Journal #5 Tonight was ASL Table, one of my favorite times of the week because it gives me a place to sign without someone looking at me like I am a nut because I am signing instead of talking. However, tonight was interesting because not only did I get to talk to some of my friends, but also to Dr. Dey. This was a treat since out of all the ASL professors I do not know her as well, and it was a great time for me to get to know her a little better. One of the things I learned from Dr. Dey tonight was how to suggest something to someone. She suggested I take some pain medicine for the pain I was experiencing tonight. While this is something I know a little about, it was nice to see how she signed it as an example for the next time I need to make a suggestion for someone. She shared a story of why she is unable to eat from the cafeteria on campus and why she always brings her own food. It was a delightful conversation that was both educational and fun, something ASL Table tends to incorporate often. Tonight was simply an enjoyable night at ASL Table and as always it was a great stress relief from the craziness of the day. It was nice to talk to some of my good friends, make a few new ones and finally learn a little more about Dr. Dey. I eagerly anticipate the next time I can attend ASL Table because of the practice it gives as well as the new things I sometimes learn and occasionally I am reminded of a concept that I have learned in the past.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 201 Dr. High March 31, 2011 Deaf Event Journal #10 Tonight was another lovely night at ASL Table. It truly is something I personally look forward to every week since it means that I can use my ASL skills I have acquired and expand upon them through interaction with others. Tonight I was able to learn a few more signs and how the context of something changes the way it is signed. While I was talking to Dr. Dey, I told her about a man I know back home named Neil Augustine, and how he was involved in church planting. When I tried to sign planting as in planting seeds, Dr. Moore and Dr. Dey corrected me and explained why it was different. Dr. Dey then went on to show me the sign for concept and explained that I had the right concept, just not the right sign. It was good to be able to expand my vocabulary so that I will not make the same mistake again. Tonight was not entirely eventful as far as conversation, it was enjoyable to catch up with some friends and talk about upcoming Deaf events to attend. We discussed that we should go to the next silent dinner because it was so much fun last Friday that it would be good to repeat the experience. By the end of the night, we had a great time simply talking and catching up and planning for the rest of the semester. I can not wait for next week to have another fun night of ASL only.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High January 19, 2012 Deaf Event #1 Tonight was the first ASL Table of the semester. I always love ASL Table and tonight was no different. After gathering my food from the cafeteria it was time to sit, eat, relax, and SIGN. In case I have forgotten to mention this in the past, I LOVE MY SECOND LANGUAGE!!! ASL is super handy when eating because I can hold a conversation with food in my mouth! I would love to see any other language do that without spitting food everywhere. Anyway, tonight was a really great time to sit and talk with my friends. I was able to share funny stories, and even talk with Patrick, our Deaf-Blind student here at Gardner-Webb. When I first went to talk to Patrick, I was scared because I had never communicated with a Deaf-Blind person before, however it did not take long for me to become quite comfortable and now I really enjoy speaking with him, he truly is a talented and bright young man and is really funny too. By the end of the evening, we had laughed a lot and shared many great experiences and class schedules and talked about anything else. I was even able to obtain directions from Dr. Moore on how to get to two different Deaf churches in the Charlotte area since my family has just recently moved. All in all it was a wonderful evening, and I am already looking forward to next week.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High January 22, 2012 Deaf Event #2 Today I went to Deaf church at First Baptist in Spartanburg with Stephanie Poole. I love going to Deaf churches, not only do I have the opportunity to practice my sign language and learn more about the culture, but I also have the privilege of talking with some of the individuals there and learning more about them, all while we come together to worship the Lord, nothing could be better. This morning, we talked about our New Years Resolutions and how God could be more involved with them and then we looked at how to avoid pitfalls in our own lives. Most of the answers were the regular pray and search the scriptures church answers, but they were really great reminders and tools that seem to be pushed aside. They also mentioned some upcoming events and invited everyone to come out and join in on the fun. It was a lot of fun and I was even able to talk with some people about what they did for the holidays. In conclusion, today was a ton of fun. I love spending time with the Deaf community at First Baptist Spartanburg. I was able to worship and learn more about the Lord and was able to hang out and catch up with some people from before. Hopefully over time, I will be able to develop deeper relationships with these people and my skills will hopefully continue to improve.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High Deaf Event #3 Tonight was another ASL Table, one of my favorite times of the week. Not only am I able to eat dinner with my friends and sign, but also I get to socialize with several Deaf people, some from within the community. This evening was no different as I sat down next to an old friend with whom I have not see around for a while. We were able to talk and catch up and really enjoy our meal. I was also able to talk with Dr. Moore about a research paper I am attempting to write on Ella Mae Lentz. The problem I am facing is finding adequate resources to have the information for the paper; after approaching Dr. Moore about the subject, he gave me his advice about writing on all the poetry and works she has done. I thanked him for his advice, and he explained to me how I would be able to write my paper on such a topic. By the end of the evening, I had conversations with several people and was able to thoroughly enjoy myself. ASL Table is always a wonderful time to be able to improve my signing skills and receptive abilities. I am excited for next week to be able to sit down, eat, and converse with friends in my second language.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202

Dr. High February 2, 2012 Deaf Event #4 Tonight was yet another ASL Table. This is the wonderful event held weekly here on campus that allows ASL students to practice their skills in a non-threatening or scary environment. Personally, I enjoy this weekly get together because I am able to come together with some of my friends and converse in my second language. Tonight was no different, and it was a lot of fun. I was able to talk with my friend Stephanie Poole and the two of us decided on a date to sit down and plan out the rest of our Deaf Event hours for the semester. Lara joined in on the conversation and showed us her plans to get all of her hours in. I have most of what I want to do planned out, however it was good to be able to talk about it and have a more definitive plan and some ideas for upcoming events in order to arrange car pools. I was also able to talk with Dr. High about our book report that is due tomorrow, and even showed her how much I had written. All in all tonight was full of wonderful conversations. Something that happened tonight that was somewhat surprising to me, is one of my friends who is in ASL 102 this semester asked me how to sign words. While I had no problem showing the how to sign things, it surprised me that they were asking me for help. It hit me tonight that I am slowly becoming fluent in ASL and can communicate even difficult and complex ideas. It is wonderful to see improvement and I look forward to continuing to improve my signing skills.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High February 11, 2012 Deaf Event #5 Tonight was the Shelby Deaf Club meeting at Golden Corral in Shelby. It was a real treat and different experience for me personally. Inside the small reserved space many local Deaf and ASL students were able to partake in good food and good company. For me it was a nice time to get off campus and get to know some different Deaf people around the area. It was also interesting to meet some CCC ASL students. Something that was extremely interesting for me during this event was the way in which the Deaf club chose their king and queen. Instead of voting for different people, they had a deck of cards with the King of Hearts and the Queen of Hearts. Whoever had these cards after drawing won the title of king and queen. That was much more different than what I actually expected. I also did not expect there to be a raffle or a game to check under your seat. I was able to meet a few different Deaf people including Mr. David Hendrix and Ms. Debbie. Both were very friendly and I enjoyed talking with them. Mr. David signed rather quickly and was somewhat hard for me to understand but he was still very kind and I did enjoy every moment I had to talk with him. In conclusion, tonight was a lot of fun and a bit different than what I expected. Shelby Deaf Club was extremely inviting to the students and even signed the Happy Birthday song for those of us with February birthdays. I really enjoyed myself and

enjoyed the people I was able to meet and get to know. I cannot wait until I see them again. DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High February 16, 2012 Deaf Event #6 Tonight was our weekly ASL Table on campus. It is always a lot of fun and tonight was no different. First of all, the cafeteria did a great job at making pot roast and several other dishes, so tonights meal was better than normal. Then add in the fact that there were some really great people there, and magically the evening meal transformed into something really great. Tonight I was able to talk with my friend Lizzie a little bit about how life was going. She and I both had a difficult day yesterday and it was good to see improvement on both ends. Then I was able to joke around with Dr. Moore, he teased me about going to Charlotte and licking all the iron buildings since I have an iron deficiency. It was a really great night of conversations. Finally, I was able to sign with Jacquelyn a lower level ASL student who was eager to learn and enjoyable to sign with. Overall tonight was extremely enjoyable and I am glad to be able to join in on the fun. I enjoyed the laughter and the conversation with all the company that surrounded me. ASL Table is always a wonderful time of the week and I look forward to next week.

DeAnna Loudermilk

ASL 202 Dr. High February 23, 2012 Deaf Event #7 Tonight was another ASL Table here at school, and although I was not feeling the absolute best, I decided to go ahead and go and enjoy myself a bit. I am so glad I made that choice. I walked in and sat down next to my friend, Lara and immediately began signing with her. We talked about our days a little bit and then before long, Lizzie showed up. Once Lizzie arrived, Lara started talking with Mari and Lizzie and I immediately began conversation. Lizzie and I talked about our plans for going to see Children of a Lesser God at Davidson College and other fun events coming up. I even explained to her how I am going to visit my dad this weekend since my mom is back in Pennsylvania and he wants to go looking at houses. All in all it was a good conversation, shortly joined by Ty, a friend of mine that I rarely see around campus. Ty and I began talking about the different classes and hours we had this semester. He learned that I am an ASL major and interpreting minor, apparently it was something that never came up in conversation. He told me how his classes were and we were able to catch up for a bit before I had to leave and go meet a friend. In conclusion, tonight was a wonderful time to chat with some good friends. It is always wonderful to sit around and use ASL in order to improve and expand my skills. Hopefully I will be able to continue to advance my skills and be able to help others as they need.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High February 24, 2012 Deaf Event #8 Tonight was a silent dinner at Southpark mall in Charlotte. It was absolutely wonderful and tonight was extra special since my dad came with me and hung out for a little while. Although he had a hard time communicating he tried his best to say nice to meet you in ASL, it was funny to watch but it was nice to see he cares about what I am studying. He tried his best to communicate and although it was awkward for him, he pushed through it. After a bit he decided to leave me in my element and go explore the mall. Once dad left, I began to socialize with several different people. One person in particular that I was able to socialize with is Ms. Barbra Hook, an older lady I have come to really know and absolutely adore. She talked for me for most of the night, a few times we were interrupted by some young girls who recently started learning sign language at their church, probably not much older than ten or eleven. So Ms. Barbra and I talked with them for a while before I went on to talk to Michael and a few others that I know and have not seen in a while. In conclusion, tonight was absolutely fantastic. It was really nice to see my dad take an interest in my major and what my passion is and it was great to be able to socialize with some people I have not seen in a while. I hope to see those young girls

again and watch them improve in their signing. I cannot wait until next month to go again and enjoy some time with some wonderful Deaf people.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High March 1, 2012 Deaf Event #9 Tonight was another ASL Table here on campus. It is a wonderful time of the week since I get to sit and talk in my favorite language with others who enjoy and understand it. As I walked in tonight, Michael immediately greeted me. It was great to see him and we were able to chat for just a minuet before I left to go get food. When I returned, Lara and I had a nice conversation. We talked about some upcoming things that are due in our ASL classes, and then I turned to Sara and asked her about something. Meanwhile, we were all helping a younger level ASL student with a sign, we were not sure about so we asked Patrick who told us it was the correct sign for fork. Finally by the end of the conversation I was talking to yet, another ASL student who is starting a dance ministry here on campus, so I got some extra information from her about the upcoming auditions. In conclusion, it was a great evening. The conversations were lively and energetic and the company was fabulous. I cannot wait until next week so that I can see everyone at

ASL Table again and will hopefully be able to talk with my friend Tara, whom I have hardly seen due to conflicting schedules.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High March 2, 2012 Deaf Event #10 Tonight I went to a Deaf Event in Charlotte at the First Baptist Church in which we all watched the new movie Courageous. It was the first time I have ever seen this movie and it was a great one to watch. As we entered the room the room was set up in a semi-circle with the projector and the screen in the middle and the kitchen in the back with the light on and food and drinks to share. I found it interesting that they had so many lights off as they did considering it was hard to see any signing that people did in the room. However it was extremely quiet, except for when something funny happened, then the entire audience laughed. After the movie was finished I had the pleasure to talk to some different Deaf people including Mr. Floyd and others whose names I am drawing a blank on. They were all so friendly and asked us to come back again to other movie nights and different events and church itself. They were so nice and friendly it was wonderful to talk with them. In conclusion, I hope to have the pleasure of meeting with these wonderful individuals again. I really enjoyed myself and although it was not what I expected it was

a blast. Hopefully next month when they have this movie night again, I will be able to attend and really begin to build relationships with the Deaf people in the Charlotte area.

DeAnna Loudermilk ASL 202 Dr. High March 4, 2012 Deaf Event #11 Today was another day at Deaf Church in Spartanburg. I have gone several times, and so far including today, they have had me fill out the welcome card three times. Stephanie told me later that they had her fill out that same card four times before they remembered whom she was, so that made me feel a little better. However, the funniest thing happened, they brought me up to the front to sing Happy Birthday to me... again. I was there on my birthday and they sang to me, but I assume they must have forgotten, so they sang to me and another woman whose birthday is on Friday. After announcements were finished, it was time to start the actual lesson. Todays topic was on how Mary accepted that Jesus would be her son but probably did not understand the full meaning behind that. It was extremely interesting to see the ideas that the Deaf were coming up with, and why it was the angel Gabriel that appeared to Mary. They brought up several different ideas and points about Mary going to see Elizabeth and many other parts of the story. However, they finally came to the conclusion that in our own lives we need to accept what God is doing and try to learn what He wants for us through the experience.

In conclusion, it was a great Sunday morning. I really enjoyed myself and I love the Deaf people that are there. They are super friendly and were eager to have us students with them. I cannot wait for after spring break so I can go back and visit them again, they truly are some of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey September 15, 2011 Deaf Event #1

Tonight was another wonderful ASL Table experience here at Gardner-Webb. I was able to get food and talk with friends all in ASL, and tonight I realized two things, first, how much fun it can be to act out things when unsure of the actual sign, and secondly, how important it is to have full range of motion in signing. These things along with simply the wonderful company of good friends made for a fantastic night. I have always known that it is acceptable in Deaf culture to act out something if you are unsure how to sign it, however tonight I had to act out a few things because the actual signs were a little sketchy to me, and I was not quite sure of the actual signs. However, this was made difficult because I did not have full range of motion in my arms because they were too sore from working out to stretch out all the way. So tonight,

conversation with my friends was extra hilarious as they were making fun of my funny but odd predicament. Another thing that happened at Deaf Table tonight is my friend and I got into a discussion about what the sign for cereal was, and nobody could come up with a good sign. So, one of my friends asked Dr. High and she signed one thing, and then asked another person in the room and they signed something else. I find it interesting that one word can have a few different signs, and so we began to practice the signs that we had learned to make sure we would remember it in the future. In conclusion, Deaf Table is always fantastic. It is a great place for ASL students to come together and practice without feeling intimidated about messing up, and where we can learn even more signs outside the classroom and expand our knowledge and consequentially our love for this beautiful language and culture. Every time I leave Deaf Table, I realize one more thing that makes being an ASL major so fantastic.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey September 22, 2011 Deaf Event #2

Tonight was once again ASL Table, one of my favorite times of the week. It is a great place to conjugate and have great conversations without ever saying a word.

Tonight ASL Table was packed and full of lively conversation, hands were flying and laughter was erupting everywhere in the room. There was reminding of signs and learning new signs all around, and it is simply a joy to watch. Something interesting that happened tonight is that I was able to ask someone about the swing dancing lesions that were held yesterday as well as the one that will be held on Monday, the two of us talked, she told me how much fun it was, and I told her how my boyfriend and I swing dance and ballroom dance. The two of us learned the sign for swing and I was able to remind her of a few signs, which is always great to learn from and help each other with our signing skills. However, something hit me tonight in a strange way. I remember when I first started signing and how I thought I would never be able to have a good conversation with Deaf people without feeling like I was not getting my point across or that they were not able to understand me, or worse I could not understand them. Tonight I realized that I have had successful conversations with Deaf people on a regular basis and they understand me just as well as I understand them. It is amazing realizations that not only do I know a different language but I am working at becoming fluent in that language. It simply makes me happy. In conclusion, ASL Table was amazing as always. I was not able to talk to as many people as I normally do, however I still had the ability to hold conversations and enjoy myself immensely. Every time I attend an ASL Table I am able to help my peers remember or learn signs as well as be reminded or learn from them, and it is one of the best opportunities I could ever ask for.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey September 23, 2011 Deaf Event #3

Today was Deaf club, which was really awesome, as always. However, this was my first Deaf club I was able to attend so it took me a few minuets to catch up and remember everything that was going on. The meeting stated with the Deaf events that are occurring this weekend and then moved onward from there. We discussed ideas for the NCSD Homecoming table, and games to include with that. Finally, we talked about the Homecoming float and gave different ideas for that, however I am not sure which idea we will ultimately go with. Once we finished our business we had a representative from a company come and talk to us about interpreting for them. Overall it was a good meeting and a lot of fun, and the speaker was quite intriguing. In conclusion, Deaf club was amazing today. It took a lot of time to come up with all the different ideas for the games, and what that would look like, we came up with ideas from matching to sign telephone, to myths about Deaf people, what they really can do. Then ideas for the float took even longer, from dressing up like bulldogs to making a banner with the sign letters of D-E-A-F -C-L-U-B just to name a few. However in the end, it was a successful meeting and very educational in regards to different types of interpreting jobs there are in the real world.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey October 6, 2011 Deaf Event #5 Tonight was yet another ASL Table. I always enjoy these no matter what occurs and how many people show up. However tonight was rather strange. For starters, it was almost empty comparatively to normal. Walking in, the room, only two girls and myself were there. Normally people are in and saving seats, but tonight, it was quite different. After finding a seat, only a few more people walked in, normally ASL Table is packed, with barely room for one more, but tonight was quite the opposite. After getting food and sitting down, I was able to converse with Alex, an old friend from ASL 102. He told me of his plans for the weekend and I told him mine. We caught up on how school was going this semester, since we do not get to see each other anymore. After finishing our conversation I was able to talk with Stephanie and Lara who are close friends and ASL majors as well. While we were conversing, we were able to meet a few of the ASL 101 students, including one who has decided to make ASL their major. Conversing with them helped us remember some of the older signs that we learned long ago but have failed to use lately, as well as show us how much we have improved since we first started learning sign language. In conclusion, although ASL Table did not have a lot of people there tonight, it was still an enjoyable experience. It is always exhilarating to converse in this beautiful

language. ASL Table is always a wonderful part of my week because it is a place for those who are learning ASL to come and practice there skills and become better at this amazing language.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey October 13, 2011 Deaf Event #6 Tonight was another ASL Table here on campus. It was a little hard for me to focus tonight but it is always a fun experience at ASL table. I was able to talk with some of my friends and a few people asked me how I was feeling. Overall it was a really funny conversation as Stephanie, Lara and I were talking about all the stresses we have now that its midterms. We all decided that this time of semester is one of the hardest and somewhat unloaded on each other. We also were able to make plans to go to a silent dinner tomorrow night and we are all looking forward to it. Also, tonight I was also able to talk with Professor Dey. It was really great since I normally do not have the pleasure of speaking with her. She asked how my weekend with my boyfriend, Dan was, and I told her how great the weekend turned out. I also was able to inform her how long Dan and I have been dating. It was too short of a conversation, but it was a good conversation. In conclusion, it was a great night at ASL Table. The company that I was able to share my dinner with was fantastic as always. I know for a fact that I have great friends

and wonderful professors; besides, the professors take time out of their own lives to have dinner with us students.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey October 15, 2011 Deaf Event #8 Tonight there was a Silent Dinner at Georgios, which was a ton of fun. Walking in, my friend and I had no idea what to expect walking into the door. After arriving, we realized that several students had come and also a few Deaf people, some we knew, and some that we had never met. We found a spot at the table, as people continued to come into the room. Slowly but surly the number of people grew and grew until the biggest table was filled along with two side tables. One of the big things I noticed tonight was the shock on the waitresses faces as they realized everyone was signing. They did not know Sign Language and were rather confused most of the time. It was hard for some students to order food all in ASL due to not knowing the signs, so pen and paper were used occasionally, some simply pointed to what they wanted, while still others were typing what they wanted on their cell phones. It never really hit me how much of a communication barrier there is between hearing and Deaf if the hearing person does not know any Sign Language. The conversation around the tables was lively, my friends and I talked about several different topics, including school, the weekend, and fall break. I personally got to

meet two Deaf people; one was the husband of Mrs. Kim, who teaches ASL at CCC the other is named Michael and is one of Jacks friends who is Deaf. The conversations were fun and lively, along with upbeat and cheerful. In conclusion, tonight was a good eye opener into the Deaf world a little more. The communication barrier can create big problems in a simple situation like ordering or when a waitress asked who ordered something. However, the conversation between those who knew Sign Language was fun and entertaining as always.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey October 16, 2011 Deaf Event #9 Today I was able to attend First Baptist Church in Spartanburg South Carolina with my friend Stephanie. Walking into the magnificent church, we sat through the hearing service by the interpreter, however that did not do a lot of us skill wise, so we went to the Deaf Sunday School class where there was no interpreter and everyone was signing. It was absolutely wonderful. At first, we were both a little shy since not a lot of people had arrived yet. Slowly but surly more and more people started coming in, apparently a few were sick and could not attend but the stand-in teacher asked Stephanie and I our names and where we were students at. They were all extremely welcoming to our presence in their class.

The class was talking about how 2 Timothy 3:16 which says that all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, ect. Everyone was putting in different points of view. Then they went on and continued to talk about not only is all scripture inspired by God and started to incorporate the way believers should work together because we make up the body of Christ. In conclusion, Sunday school had a good lesson and it was a lot of fun. I intend to go again and begin to build relationships with some of the members of this class. They were truly open and were more than happy to explain anything we did not understand, if we needed it. We were able to improve our speed in signing and simply enjoy the fellow believers using Sign Language.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey October 20, 2011 Deaf Event #10 Tonight was ASL Table, one of my favorite parts of the week. However, lately it seems that less and less people have been showing up to ASL Table, but thats understandable as some has less hours, and other have midterms before fall break. I am always grateful for this opportunity to go and eat dinner and simply sign. It is wonderful to only hear laughter without the chattering of the conversations. At my table tonight was a young man named Tyler. He is a 101 student and I could tell he probably felt a little awkward as he attempted to understand signs that have

yet to be taught to him. However, he did a great job and it was fun to teach him some new signs. It showed me how far I have come from 101 till now. Its amazing yet, discouraging; although I realize my improvements I still know I have a long way to go before I get to where I want to be in my signing, which is completely natural and easily mistakable for being Deaf. Also tonight was a great time of laughter and conversation. Dr. Moore was teasing me about eating garlic to rid myself of Lymes disease. He also continuously asked me how my pet tick was. It was absolutely hilarious. After all of his and Jacks jokes I knew that I needed to leave so that I could go and study for an upcoming test. In conclusion, tonights lively conversation was not only fun but also insightful. Although I am not yet fluent, I know that through practicing everyday, and going to ASL Table weekly, I will soon become as good as I hope to be. ASL Table is always a good reflection from where I have come, and a good reminder of how much farther I still have to go.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey October 27, 2011 Deaf Event #11 Tonight was another ASL Table. It is always a lively conversation and tonight the room was buzzing with people. Laughter was everywhere and all around people were

having fun saying dozens of things without ever speaking a word. It was positively wonderful hearing all the laughter at different parts of the room. Tonight at ASL Table, Dr. Moore asked me what gym class I had elected to take. We had talked earlier today because I was having a hard time choosing which gym glass to take and even asked him if I could simply double minor in gym. I told him that I had decided to take jogging and that if my health still was not great by spring, which I would have no idea why it would not be, that I could talk to one of the walking professors and they should let me into on of their classes. Dr. Moore then replied that they had walking and jogging but do they have flying? needless to say, it was a great conversation. I was also able to talk to my friend Alex and find out that he is coaching my side of campus powder puff league this year. Hopefully I shall be able to go to the powder puff game and see his coaching skills at work. In conclusion, it was another successful ASL Table. I was able to talk, hang out and simply enjoy signing and improve my skills since I am using them. It is absolutely amazing to me how far I have come in my signing but also how much farther I have yet to go. Hopefully with practice it will not take me long before I am as proficient as I wish to be.

DeAnna Loudermilk Introduction to the Deaf Community Professor Dey October 14, 2011

Deaf Event #7 Tonight, Lara, Stephanie and I went to Northlake mall for a silent dinner. On our way we had no idea what we were about to get into because we normally go to Southpark mall for their silent dinner, but sine Northlake offered an evening, we decided to give it a try. It was a different experience because the very first thing that we noticed was that there was barely any people signing in the food court, and furthermore there were barely any Deaf people. Time passed and slowly but surely more and more Deaf people came. There still seemed to be a lot of students, but at least by this point we were able to speak with members of the Deaf community. We talked to a man named Mark, who was rather funny and very interesting. We were also able to talk to some newer students from other colleges. It was a different experience to see how much they knew, which for most, they were in 101 and were like sponges soaking up new signs and trying to make good conversations. At the end of the night we were able to meet Keith Cagle, who used to work here at Gardner-Webb. He was extremely welcoming and got us all laughing. He was a complete joy to talk with and have the pleasure of meeting. In conclusion, tonight was a different experience with a lot of fun thrown in. Although it was not exactly what we were expecting, we enjoyed ourselves more than we imagined. I personally was able to see how much we had been able to improve our signing skills from 101 and it was encouraging to finally be the person that people would ask what a sign was. All in all, it was a great evening and I look forward to another silent dinner soon.

DeAnna Loudermilk English Processing Dr. High October 28, 2011 Deaf Event Journal #6 Tonight was another Silent Dinner at Southpark Mall in Charlotte. It is always a great time to meet new people, talk to old acquaintances and friends, learn new signs and teach some signs to newer signers. Tonight was no exception to that. Not only was it fun but also very educational, which is normal for the silent dinner experience. Tonight I learned a couple of things, first that as a hearing person sometimes it is easy to become distracted by the different sights and sounds where as a Deaf person can more easily focus on conversation and be less distracted especially by noise. The second and really important thing I realized tonight was just how small the Deaf world is. I found out that out of the group that was still there toward the end of the night, there were about five to six people who know my Deaf pastor from back home. Talk about a small world! Never in a million years did I think I would ever meet people so far from home that know one Deaf man from my area. Biggest lesion of the night: DO NOT underestimate Deaf people, they know many other Deaf people and word will get around fast. In conclusion, along with the many wonderful conversations I was able to have, I was also able to observe how observant Deaf people really are and learn more about how culturally speaking they seem to know a lot of other Deaf people. It really is a small world and at the end of the day, everybody knows somebody that somebody else knows. In other words, you never know who knows whom, and it is really amazing to make all

those connections. In the Deaf world it is common for people to know several other Deaf people and to have friends in common. It is one of the many beautiful things about the Deaf world and Deaf culture.

DeAnna Loudermilk English Processing Dr. High September 1, 2011 Deaf Event Journal #1 Tonight is once again ASL Table. I absolutely adore going to ASL Table for a couple of reasons. First of all, I get to see people I have not seen in a long time, especially now that it has been three months since I have signed with most of the people at ASL Table. Second, it is a great way to improve my signing as well as be reminded of sings I have learned in the past but have not used in a while so therefore forgotten them. Finally, since the event is on campus, it is easy to go to and it is not harmful to the environment. This evening was wonderful to catch up with some people, and re learn the sign for frustrated and share, making sure that they are what I thought. I must admit, that it is sometimes nice to know signs and forget them and then when someone reminds you, it is OK because you realize that your first idea was correct. However, I want to become more confident in my signing. I know the signs, and I know that I know the signs, however for some reason I tend to second-guess myself a lot. This is an area I plan on improving in the future.

In conclusion, tonight was absolutely wonderful. Catching up with old friends and meeting some of the new signers is always a joy to me. I have come to realize that I need to be more assertive in my signing because I am better than I give myself credit for, and the only way to improve that is by signing more. If one does not make simple mistakes, it is impossible to truly improve and correct them. Tonight was a great reminder to sign as much as possible and be confident in those signs.

DeAnna Loudermilk Fundamentals and Theories of Interpreting Professor Dey March 3, 2012 Deaf Event #5 Today I went to an all day Deaf Rally and decided to split the hours between this class and my Deaf Culture class. So for the morning, we walked into the church and registered for the event so they would know that we were there. Once registration was over we had about an hour to socialize and wake up a bit before things really got going; after everyone had finished socializing the first service began. The service was a classic salvation message and was rather interesting to listen to. The person presenting used three people from the audience to show how God sent Jesus, His Son to take our place as sinners so that we might be able to get into heaven. Once the service was over, they broke off into different groups by age and weather or not you are an interpreter. I went with the Deaf young adults and we played a game called Chicken Noodle Soup although I could not play much myself since the fake chickens had latex in

them and running and bending over then standing back up quickly made my very dizzy. However, it was a lot of fun to watch and I was able to meet a few very interesting people. After the game it was time to eat lunch and socialize some more. In conclusion, this was a very unique Deaf event since a church to support and promote the Bill Rice Ranch Deaf camp put on this Deaf Rally, but it was a good day and a really unique experience. I am glad that I had the opportunity to go and hope that next time I will be able to run into some of the same Deaf people that I met and enjoyed today.

DeAnna Loudermilk Fundamentals and Theories of Interpreting Professor Dey March 22, 2012 Deaf Event #6 Tonight was another ASL Table here at Gardner-Webb. It was also a really amazing experience because my roommate, Aleasha Shorts went with me tonight. It was a ton of fun signing with her, Jack, Michael, and Hunter. We were able to talk about the upcoming Deaf Awareness week and other fun and interesting topics. It was truly amazing to be able to sign with my roommate, and she seemed to really enjoy it since it is not something she gets to do often upon finishing her ASL classes. I was also able to talk with Dr. High about the ASL major entrance requirements. It was a very enlightening conversation and I am now more equipped and have a clearer understanding of what I need to do before the end of the semester. I am now very excited

to submit my letter, transcript, and SLPI results and continue on in the major I have selected. Anyway, overall tonight was a great time with lots of laughs and great conversation. I absolutely love ASL table and everyone I am able to interact with there. Tonight was especially wonderful since my lovely roommate was able to join in on the fun; it was enjoyable to sign outside of the room. Hopefully next time will be just as wonderful.

DeAnna Loudermilk Fundamentals and Theories of Interpreting Professor Dey January 21, 2012 Deaf Event #1 Today, I went to an Interpreting workshop all day long. It was called What Was That Noise? Does It Need To Go To The Shop? Interpreter Maintenance. Not only was this workshop informative and helpful, but it was also a lot of fun and really interesting to attend. I really enjoyed myself and enjoyed getting to know some of the other girls in our ASL/Interpreting program here at Gardner-Webb. The first part of the day focused on maintaining an interpreters mental health. She focused on the importance of managing stress, and knowing good conflict resolution skills as well as homing in on having demand schema control and encouraged the interpreters to speak up for themselves if they needed something from the speaker or needed the speaker to understand something. She also had people tell stories of some of

their stranger interpreting situations and how they managed the demand schema control, and everyone got some good laughs. The second half of the day focused on maintaining good physical health. She encouraged us to drink plenty of water and exercise. However, she did not stop there. She gave us different exercises to try for ourselves including stretches and breathing exercises to allow for the interpreter to be the most relaxed and to reduce the amount of stress placed upon the hands and forearms. Overall, this workshop was a wonderful experience. I am really glad that I was able to go and that I learned so much. The interpreters that were present were super nice and really helpful to us, answering questions that we had for them and in some of their stories warning us about some of the crazy things we could possibly find ourselves doing. It was a ton of fun and it really felt like they were helping out the babies of the group. I am really excited to see where the field of interpreting will end up taking me in my lifetime, because I know it will be one crazy ride.

DeAnna Loudermilk Fundamentals and Theories of Interpreting Professor Dey February 9, 2012 Deaf Event #3 Tonight at the local Broad River Coffee Company, Gardner-Webb hosted a Deaf Coffee night. The last time they had this, a lot of people showed up, I do not remember if I was in attendance, but I do not believe I was due to illness. I was rather curious to see

who would show up and how big of an event this would turn out to be tonight, since the last one was such a success. I walked in, and sat down and began to talk with some upper classmates about different things such as school, homework, and life in general. We were laughing a joking for a while and I really was able to enjoy my conversation with them. After a while I decided I wanted some hot chocolate and a pretzel and went up to order, where I was able to have a conversation with Dr. Moore and Patrick. After a while I was able to get my drink and continue to talk with different people. Overall, tonight was a great experience. Before this, I had never been to a Deaf Coffee before and it was something I enjoyed. The relaxed atmosphere made conversation easier than over a dinner table or in a food court. People were able to spread out and really enjoy themselves. Hopefully, next time more Deaf people will show up and students will be able to interact more directly with the Deaf. For me, it was simply nice to be able to go and enjoy a nice warm cup of hot chocolate and some good company.

DeAnna Loudermilk Fundamentals and Theories of Interpreting Professor Dey February 9, 2012 Deaf Event #2 Tonight was another ASL Table on campus at Gardner-Webb. I always enjoy this time of the week because I am able to develop my ASL skills outside of the classroom and enjoy the company of fellow ASL students over a meal signing away as we eat

together. This ASL Table was like many others I have attended; we were in Bailey Dinning room again, since during University Fellows interviews we were out in the regular Cafeteria. I particularly enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Moore in regards to different things going on in life. Like normal, Dr. Moore pulled out his quirky sense of humor and got the entire table in an uproar. Something that was particularly enjoyable is that my friend, Tara Workman, a former ASL minor came and joined in on the fun of ASL Table for the evening. The two of us were able to talk and catch up a bit. Meanwhile, we still were able to joke and tease each other as always. In conclusion, ASL Table was fun and interesting and entertaining as always. I look forward to next week as I continue to develop my ASL conversation skills and overall language skills. ASL Table is a great way to connect with friends who are taking the language or in the major themselves or have decided to make it their minor. It is also a great way to connect with professors and talk with them about the major and learn fun facts about them as well. Overall, it was a wonderful evening and I was able to thoroughly enjoy myself.

DeAnna Loudermilk Deaf Culture Dr. Moore March 30, 2012 Deaf Event #4

Tonight at Southpark Mall there was another Deaf Event for those in the Charlotte area. Walking into the food court, there were tables on either side of the room with walkways to get to the different restaurants and in between the tables in order for people to walk and stand and converse. The room was big but it was not very roomy or comfortable nor was there a lot of amenities however it was big and well lit and worked well for conversing. At the event there were several different ages and both genders represented however it was interesting that most of the Deaf were older, while the students who knew sign language tended be much younger than the Deaf. There were several different identities present. However, I noticed that most of the people present preferred to socialize most with people within their own identity. For example, the Deaf preferred to socialize with other Deaf however as the night went on people became more relaxed and began to socialize outside of their identity groups. There did not to appear to be much of a bias toward other identity groups. In fact, after interviewing Chucky Ellis, he accepted all identities and really enjoyed signing with hearing people who know sign since they can help to improve his speech. I also learned that he did not learn how to sign until he went to Gallaudet University. He also values both hands and speech and considers them both important ways to communicate. At the event there was not a ton of other participants other than Deaf, Hearing, and Hard of Hearing. I did not notice many Codas or any Deaf-Blind however I did notice that the level of participation by the people present depended upon their signing skills. I also noticed that people acted different around different identities in the way they signed, such as Deaf mouthing or voicing what they sign to Hearing ASL students. As far

attention getting, there was a lot of waving, tapping on tables, or asking a third party to get someones attention and it worked very well. During conversations I noticed that that there was a lot of listener feedback such as nodding or mm non-manual marker along with saying, yes at appropriate times. There were a few interruptions but they were tolerated well and usually welcomed nicely. As noted above, verbal behaviors varied from person to person however I noticed that the most verbal behavior was from Deaf who were signing to lower level ASL students otherwise, there was no verbal behavior only the occasional mouthing. On the other side though, there were several non-verbal behaviors present and it was obvious that facial expression was very important in order to communicate clearly. Also, gesturing is important to make things clearer in conversations. The last non-verbal behavior I observed was that everyone present had very relaxed posture but were mostly standing or sitting up straight. In conclusion, this experience was very enlightening into the Deaf culture. I noticed a lot of the things that have been discussed in class. It was a lot of fun to see what has been discussed in class play out in real life and what it truly looks like in the Deaf world. I enjoyed the people I met and the time I was able to spend with them. I cannot wait for my next Deaf Culture event.

DeAnna Loudermilk Deaf Culture Dr. Moore April 14, 2012

Deaf Event #5 Tonight was a Deaf Revival in Spartanburg South Carolina. The room was broken up into two different parts, the main area had a semi-circle with tables in the back and then there was a partition that went most of the way across of the room before it had rows of chairs with a stage in the front. There was plenty of lighting and those in charge had dinner and dessert for everyone. There was also a screen for the worship area, which was extremely interesting with it being used for songs and for the sermon. At the Deaf revival there was a good mix of both men and women. However, there were mostly Deaf adults and ASL Students. There was one CODA present but she was under the age of about two years old. Most people were Deaf, however there were a few hard-of- hearing people and even one woman who explained that her sign name meant, Think hearing. Everyone was very receptive to having all identities present however; I noticed that the Deaf wanted to socialize most with other Deaf people and hard-of- hearing rather than the ASL Students. It was not that they minded us being there; I believe it was because they simply enjoyed being around other Deaf and Hard-ofHearing people. There was a lot of attention getting but it was all waving, they never used the lights at all, even when trying to get the entire groups attention. I also noticed that during the sermons there was some feedback but it was usually given through facial expressions unless the presenter said that it was informal and that people could ask questions. All interruptions were welcomed and addressed then the presenter went on where they left off without any problems or complaints. At the event there were some Deaf and Hard-of-

Hearing people who mouthed or voiced part of a word but there was not an excess of verbal behavior. As stated above, facial expressions and gestures were used in moderation with the presenters. However, when the Deaf were socializing they were used much more frequently. Posture was more at attention during the sermons, but when socializing it was more relaxed and comfortable. It depended on whom the Deaf person was conversing with as to what their posture was really like. It was obvious that this group, while accepting anyone who could sign preferred to socialize and interact with other Deaf people. The group behaved with lots of conversations and went over on time, which is common in the Deaf world. They also highly valued both sign and sight since the lighting was barely touched except for when watching a sign video. They also really value understanding what is being said and if there was something said that did not make sense or was not clear there would be questions and asking for clarification. These behaviors most likely occurred due to the history of when Deaf were refused understanding and access to into conversations and other important communication such as sermons. There was also a lot of conversation due to the rarity of being able to communicate with other Deaf people. In conclusion, this was a wonderful and interesting event. I am really glad that I was able to participate and observe Deaf culture in this way. Everyone I met were really friendly and really welcoming when they spoke to me. I hope to come across another experience like this sometime in the future.

DeAnna Loudermilk Deaf Culture Dr. Moore April 15, 2012 Deaf Event #6 Today I went to a Deaf church in South Carolina. Walking into the room for Sunday school there were about two rows of chairs in a semi-circle with a few chairs in the way back to make up a third row. Behind the semi-circle, which faced where the speaker, podium, and white board were, was about four tables made into a square with chairs along the edges of the table. There was also a table off to the side with some coffee and orange juice. The room was well lit and most everyone was visible. If someone made a comment the speaker would copy their signing so that then entire room understood what was going on or what question was raised. During Sunday school there were mostly Deaf adults and some ASL students, usually middle aged and above, however there were a few CODAs present. The CODAs were in their teens and then the ASL Students were college aged. During the Sunday school presentation, there were several times in which feedback and interruptions as well as some verbal behavior present. Feedback was given through facial expressions, and head nods mainly with the occasional comment thrown in at times. If someone did not understand something they would wave until they had the speakers attention and then proceeded to continue to their question or comment. Interruptions were welcomed and explained and then the speaker would continue where they left off. During their comments and/or questions some Deaf would use verbal behaviors but this did not occur

very often. It was also clear that facial expressions and gestures were vital in allowing the speaker to know that they were being understood. Everyone in the room was sitting upright but they were also comfortable. The room was well lit and good for signing. There were several different identities present including Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Hearing, and Think Hearing. Everyone was very accepting of all identities although it was clear that the Deaf preferred to talk with other Deaf they still welcomed the Hearing with open arms and once they started conversation with an ASL student they continued to talk for a while. During Sunday school there was little interaction between anyone since everyone was paying attention to the speaker. However, once Sunday school was over there were several conversations going on while everyone made their way to the chapel. There were Deaf who were talking with Deaf while others talked with Hard-of-Hearing, and still others talked with the Hearing. Even the CODAs were involved in conversation as everyone went to the chapel. The chapel was set up like a traditional church with two rows of pews and a stage with a projection screen in the back. It was not very conducive to signing and there was a point where someone had trouble seeing and so they asked the person up on stage to move the usher so the line of sight could be restored. This setting was much more formal than the Sunday school setting but there were still some interruptions that occurred but they were short and to the point, the speaker would clarify and then continue on in the sermon. Again during the sermon, facial expressions and head nods were given in order to show understanding and give feedback to the speaker. Posture again was upright and

paying attention but yet still relaxed. There was very little verbal behavior and only a few interruptions. Gestures were small and non disruptive. It was a very good sermon and everyone seemed to really pay attention and try to understand everything that the speaker was trying to convey. Overall this group identifies themselves as Deaf. While they do identify themselves as Deaf they do not have a preference with whom they interact. They tried to include everyone and make sure that everyone felt welcome. Their behaviors were common for the Deaf, including a woman moving when she had a hard time seeing the screen in the church service. It was also apparent that everyone needed to be understood since many Deaf have negative experiences growing up where they are left out of understanding what is going on, therefore the Deaf like to be very clear when they are talking in order to ensure that everyone understands what is happening. As a whole, the group valued signing, feedback such as facial expressions, head nods, and gestures during a presentation, as well as understanding and line of sight. It was very interesting to see this Deaf event play out with the two different seating arrangements and the wide variety of people present. The group was very welcoming and really enjoyed having all types of people from several different backgrounds present. It was fun to watch everyone interact and worship the Lord in a different and interesting way. Hopefully this will not be the last time I have an experience in Deaf culture like that.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting Voice to Sign

Dr. High August 26, 2012 Deaf Event #2

Today I went to Spartanburg First Baptist Church and was able to enjoy their Deaf ministry there. I have not been there since last school year, and I missed them greatly over the summer. It was wonderful to walk in and be greeted by the friendly faces I have missed so much. Some of the newer people introduced themselves, and were super sweet and fun to talk with. It was simply wonderful to be around the church family I have grown to love so much. I noticed three very interesting things with the first was, Deaf is that they try to understand every aspect of a Bible story in order to make a point for their lesson. I really enjoyed this fact and it is shameful that more hearing churches do not adhere to this custom. Secondly, I noticed was that when one of the people from the local Deaf community dies, the Deaf talk about the person until either everyone remembers who they are or knows more about them to express sympathy for the family. Finally, I noticed that the Deaf pray about everything in their lives. There are very few secrets, and even fewer things they do not bring up for prayer. This was yet another item I wish hearing churches better understood, that God cares about all aspects of our lives. Overall, today was wonderful. I really enjoyed the message and the fellowship I obtained. It was fantastic to see everyone again. I look forward to next Sunday when I will be able to go back and enjoy more time with the Deaf community signing, fellowshipping, and sharing Gods word together.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting: Voice to Sign Dr. High September 8, 2012 Deaf Event #3 Today I went to an all day interpreting workshop on Deaf-Blind interpreting. It was a long day, but a rather informative one, with lots of fun and interesting concepts. Coming to school at Gardner-Webb I know a fair amount about how to work with the Deaf-Blind community, it is something our wonderful professors here drill into us pretty hard. However, this workshop took it even deeper. We began the day with activities to experience what it would be like to be blind; its really odd and uncomfortable. It gave everyone a new understanding, and later in the day everyone had to try tactile signing in a group. I will just say, I have a lot more respect for our Deaf-Blind student, Patrick than ever before. I always knew tactile was a lot harder than regular signing, but until today, I did not understand how much harder it is to understand everything being signed. Between these activities we learned techniques and tactics in order to better serve the Deaf-Blind community. We also learned a lot about the upcoming technology and ways to help the Deaf-Blind get all the information possible. Overall, it was a really amazing workshop. I learned so much and got some great notes. I loved how the activities really pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me a new appreciation for my sight. I came out at the end of the day with a deeper understanding and more knowledge of how to work with the Deaf-Blind. I am excited to

be able to put my knew knowledge to work and continue to develop good communication methods with the Deaf-Blind community.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting Voice to Sign Dr. High August 24, 2012 Deaf Event 1

Tonight was the Silent Dinner at South Park Mall in Charlotte, the first one of the semester. We got there early so that we could eat before everyone arrived and avoid eating while trying to sign with people. We got our food and sat down with Michael. It was great to see him again and catch up a bit. We talked a good bit as we finished eating, and before long more people started to show up and join in on the fun. There was a man named Jerry who showed up with his daughter, who is currently a CPCC student and we were able to have a lovely conversation. He talked about how much he enjoyed communicating with all types of people, including new signers and more experienced ASL signers. His daughter was wonderful to talk to and we really enjoyed learning about each others classes and experiences. After a while, Michael started his picking as usual. It was hilarious. He said how with technology changing that soon cochlear implants will be obsolete and will be replaced with antennas. Later he showed us photos of his two little girls that were

hilarious. The entire night was a blast, and I cannot wait until next month when I get to enjoy another South Park Silent Dinner.

DeAnna Loudermilk Sociolinguistics Professor Dey Deaf Event #1

Today I went to Deaf Church with Stephanie in Spartanburg S.C. We go often, and are generally accepted into that community, which is a really great feeling. The topic today was based mostly on how we must allow God to change the way we live in order to be a more effective witness for Him. It was a really great topic to discuss and the Deaf people were really getting into it by making comments and asking questions. I really enjoy that about the group, they are not afraid to ask questions or speak up about something, or even give an example. It is as if they are hungry for information and they simply love to talk about everything. Once church was finishing up, and prayer requests were being given a man who had left hurriedly, came back in and announced that his father had just gotten engaged. It was really exciting news, since this woman had made his father happy since his mother passed. Once the exciting news had passed, we continued with prayer requests and then finally closed. Overall, it was a great experience. I really enjoy the Deaf community there and they seem to enjoy Stephanie and I. I am looking forward to some of the upcoming activities and events there so that I can socialize with them more.

DeAnna Loudermilk Sign to Voice Interpreting Dr. High April 7, 2013 Deaf Event #7 Today I went to Deaf Church in Spartanburg, SC with Stephanie. We go there often and so everyone seems to know us by at least sign name. We were able to talk to some people before church started. It was great to catch up with everyone since we had not been there since before Easter break. Once we had caught up with a few people it was time for church to begin. The lights flashed and we took our seats, ready to take in all the announcements followed by the lesson. As they were making announcements, they talked about an upcoming dinner for the life group. I was very flattered when the invitation was extended to Stephanie and I since we are frequent visitors and are considered part of the group. The fact that we are considered part of the group was so special to me. It doesnt feel like I am on the outer limits of the Deaf community with this group of Deaf people but rather a real part of the group and their community. It was simply a special moment to me. In conclusion, church was really good and every helpful. I really enjoyed the lesson and seeing everyone. It was nice to hear about everyones Easters as well as focus our attention onto upcoming events and ultimately the lesson. I am excited to go back again and see everyone in my life group and worship with them.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting for Special Populations Dr. High November 17, 2013 Deaf Church

This morning I was able to go to my beloved Deaf church. It is hard to believe that I have been going there for about a year now. I am really and truly going to miss going to Spartanburg every Sunday to see the very special group of people that always gather in a time of Deaf worship and praise. This Sunday was no different. Earl Wright, preached on how we should not be distracted from the ultimate goal, lat we should always Honor the Lord and continue forward. He related it to when the Israelites entered into Canaan. It was a very good and interesting message. I loved how he used people in the group to have a visual example for one of his points. At the end of the day, we sang Happy Birthday to Liam and Callie, who turn 2 and 1 tomorrow. It is so hard to believe that, I remember when Callie was born and Liam was 1 years old. Guess time is just flying by faster since Im getting older. Anyway, it was a great day in church and I look forward to seeing everyone next week. I am planning to cherish these last few weeks of school since I am not sure when I will be able to go back and visit after I graduate. They have all been so supportive and as Stephanie and I left, they wished us luck on our upcoming presentations. I really do love this group more than words can express.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting for Special Populations Dr. High Deaf Church September 29, 2013 This morning I was able to go to Spartanburg for Deaf church. I have really missed seeing everyone. I am known there, since that is my home church while I am here at school. It was wonderful to see everyone and do some catching up. They all asked me how my mom is doing- which was really sweet. They even had me stand up and give a report on how she is feeling. Before long, we moved on to the lesson. Church wide we are working through a book and the book is free if you sign up to come. Therefore, Stephanie and I got a book, which we were really excited about since we both love to read and love free/cheap books. However, it was slightly awkward since they did not continue on with the lesson but instead stopped the lesson so we could get the books before they actually began. So, Stephanie, myself, Nigel, a Deaf man, and Artie took a walk to get the books. Before long, the lesson was over and Stephanie and I got to socialize a bit with Artie and his wife, as well as an ASL 101 student from Converse College. It was a great experience and it was so good to catch up with them. I am looking forward to going back next week and being able to see everyone again. It is nice to have a place in the Deaf community where I am really and truly known.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting for Special Populations Dr. High October 13, 2013 Deaf Church Today I got to go to my beloved Deaf church in Spartanburg. It is honestly one of the highlights of my week. I really enjoy walking in to a room full of Deaf people and feeling like I belong- as really part of the group. Its an experience that I dont necessarily feel at other Deaf events, but I feel it here at church. Walking in, things felt a little unconventional today- and I was right. For starters, Russ was running late. But he was teaching the lesson. Once he got there, we began talking about chapter 2 of The Story, which is the book that the church as a whole is going through. However, we were supposed to go over chapter 3-, which Russ wasnt prepared to do. So one of the women happened to have read the chapter and was willing to teach on the spot. So we all sat and watched her sign the entire story of Joseph. I must admit, that her role shifting was very limited but rather, she used her facial expressions to take on the role of the characters. Before long, Sunday school was finished and we were walking to the chapel for a short service. While the service did not last long, it was memorable. For the first time in five years, the Deaf held their own Lords Supper. It was beautifully done. It was a real service centered on this momentous occasion. Once church was finished, they offered everyone to go to the Hanger- a fellowship room for lunch. However, Stephanie and I had

a lot to get done back here at school, so we came home early. It was nice to see everyone and I cant wait to see them again after fall break.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting for Special Populations Dr. High October 25, 2013 Southpark Mall Silent Dinner Tonight I went to Southpark mall in Charlotte for a silent dinner that is held once a month. It is truly an awesome event with a lot of people I know where there. It was great to run into the Deaf DJ who was here a year or two ago. I was surprised that he remembered seeing me from Gardner-Webb University. It was great to talk to him and do some catching up. I also ran into Ms. Barbra who I have not seen in a very long time. She was very excited to see me after so long. We got to catch up a bit and I was able to tell her that I am engaged to the same guy she remembered me talking about a few years back. I also found out that she still has the photo of Lara, Stephanie, myself, and her in her camera. I found it sweet that after all this time that she still remembers us fondly and was so happy to see me. I really hope she is at the next silent dinner. Overall, it was a great night at Southpark. I got to see Professor Dey, and Ms. Barbara. It was great to catch up with them and see how life is going for them as well as to share some of what is going on in my own life. I am hoping to see them both next

month at the Silent dinner- it is a great place to catch up with members of the Deaf community you dont get to see often enough.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting for Special Populations Dr. High September 27,2013 Southpark Silent Dinner Tonight I went to Southpark Mall in Charlotte with some friends. I t was a great time to catch up with some Deaf people I havent seen for a while, as well as an interpreter from my church that I worked at this past summer. She and I were able to talk for a long time. We talked about everything from how everyone at church is doing, to how my mother is holding up under chemo, to bother her daughters wedding as well as my upcoming nuptials. I also was introduced to two other Deaf women. They were wonderful to talk to and actually both watched their mother go through cancer- so they shared how well their mothers did through treatments and told me a bit more of what to expect. Another interesting aspect of this evening was helping my friend Patrick find jeans. He needed to go, and so we did not take long, but he, myself, and two other males went to find Patrick a pair of jeans. This was an interesting adventure as Patrick is of course, Deaf-Blind. However, it was a wonderful experience and gave me more of an understanding of what an SSP really does on a daily basis. Overall, it was a lot of fun.

I am looking forward to the next silent dinner so I can go and meet up with everyone again. It was good to be back and to be able to see everyone. Its amazing how much you find that you miss the Deaf community when you cannot see them often enough. DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting for Special Populations Dr. High October 27, 2013 Deaf Church Today I went to my Deaf Church in Spartanburg South Carolina. I always love going and seeing everyone. I feel like I have a great community there that really loves me and cares about me- like I am not on the outside of the cultural ring but rather inside, participating. It is so wonderful to have a place to go and really feel like I am apart of the group. This morning we talked about Moses and the new covenant that we have through Christ. It was a very interesting discussion of how the covenant worked for the Israelites and how it applies to today. The concept was that the people went through Moses to talk to God and now we go through Jesus to talk to God. The overall analogies for this were interesting but I grasped the overall concept. However I found that some of the ways things were explained were really creative and I really appreciated how they used the language as a whole. Overall it was a good day in church. Things seemed to move quicker than normalthough I am not entirely sure why. Maybe it was just an off type of Sunday. Hopefully

next week will feel more normal; even though today was good- there were fewer people there. It was good to see the few people that were there, including Earl Wright who came back from a long visit with his daughter. I really enjoyed my time with this tight knit community and I look forward to seeing them next week. DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting for Special Populations Dr. High November 18, 2013 Understanding Information Processing Workshop

Tonight I had the opportunity to go to a workshop that Dr. High presented at called Understanding Information Processing for Sign Language Interpreters. For me, this was a fun workshop, mostly because it relates to what we as interpreters do everyday, but also because it is the same material that is covered in English Processing- a class that I have not taken since my sophomore year. At first, I was not sure exactly what to expect, but before long I realized that Dr. High was reviewing the material that I needed mostthings that I knew, but had drifted to the back of my mind, and she was making it a point to bring it to the forefront. The workshop was very beneficial and reminded me of all my responsibilities as an interpreter. Especially how communication is so important for the Deaf community, and as the interpreter, I am that communication access for them and that is not something to be taken lightly. The workshop also mentioned that while it is important for us to consider our clients needs, we as interpreters are human too and we also have needs that

need to be met. We have to stand up for proper working conditions, not only for our clients but for ourselves as well. Something interesting that I learned is that it is scientifically proven that interpreters need a break to refuel their brains to keep up with the mental demands of interpreting. Overall, tonight was wonderful, and I realized how much I am going to miss learning from Dr. High.

DeAnna Loudermilk Interpreting for Special Populations Dr. High September 21, 2013 Workshops on a Shoestring Continued This is a continuation of the 10-hour workshop that is talked about in Signs in Application. I took the workshop and used 7.5 hours for that class and 2.5 hours for this class. The separation of the hours occurs in the middle of the fourth workshop. Therefore, I will pick back up in the middle of that workshop and inform you of the rest of the day. The rest of the workshop talked about burnout and how to prevent it. One of the biggest suggestions was to have encouragement from others in the profession. I found this very ironic since they were so belittling and degrading toward us as students. They were so rude and unaware that regardless of the fact that we are new and learning the profession that we are still part-time University employees. Finally, the last workshop of the day discussed the different uses for FINISH. IT was awful! I felt like I was back in my Linguistics class. It was so dull and repetitive. I was also amazed with the lack of gut feeling with ASL that some of these seasoned

interpreters had. Some of these professionals had no idea how to use TOUCH FINISH. I honestly felt like my IQ level was dropping as I sat through the workshop. Needless to say, I was happy when it was all over. In the end I was extremely disappointed by the experience I encountered during this series of workshops. Feeling put down, unvalued and unwanted by those who have gone before me in the profession was not the type of experience I was hoping for. Combine their attitude with the lack of professionalism within the room it was shocking. Hopefully the next workshop that I attend will have more to offer, not being on such a basic level of information but rather being something deeper and rich that can be applied to my professional life as an interpreter. However, this was an eye-opening experience. I have come to learn that I do not want to be a typical interpreter; I would like to be more encouraging and uplifting then the interpreters that I experienced today. DeAnna Loudermilk Signs In Application Dr. High September 14, 2013 Deaf Night Out Tonight some friends and I attended the Deaf Night Out in Charlotte. It was held at the Whiskey River. It was a fun event, but not the typical type of event I normally do. I am not a club person, and yet, I found myself there- watching some drunken people try to ride a bull, and dance. Regardless, I met some really amazing Deaf in the Charlotte Metropolitan area.

When we first arrived, it was fairly quiet, probably because it was early for a Saturday night. However, I saw Jason, and Mark, along with Cathy and a few other Deaf that I know. It was good to talk to them and catch up a bit. Then before long, I was meeting a few new people. We met a guy named Brett; he was super nice and even showed us how to move on the dance floor. He also made sure that nobody tried to be creepy to our group, which was nice. As the night went on, we noticed more and more Deaf going out on the dance floor. I never knew that Deaf people enjoyed dancing so much, nor did I realize they knew how to dance. My friend Jason really threw me for a surprise when he started to swing dance a little bit with me on the dance floor. Granted, it was hard because there were a lot of people, but it was still fun to be able to swing dance- something I am skilled at and thoroughly enjoy. Overall it was a good night with a lot of interesting young Deaf people and was a change from my normal Deaf events- though I am not certain I will be going clubbing ever again. DeAnna Loudermilk Signs In Application Dr. High October 5, 2013 NCSD Homecoming For the first time in my college career, I was able to go to the NCSD Homecoming. Every year I have had something happen that I could not make it- but this year, I finally got to go. It is a lovely old school, and it was so interesting to look at it and know that if the walls of the building could talk (or sign), they would have hundreds upon

hundreds of stories to share. I was excited for the day ahead and to interact with different Deaf people, to meet new people, and to see who would come that I already knew. Throughout the course of the day, I ran into several Deaf people I know from various events and activities, my church in Spartanburg when I am here at school, as well as my home church in Concord. Something that never ceases to amaze me is not only how small the Deaf community is, but how quickly word about something goes around. People who barely knew me were asking how my mom was doing and how she was handling chemotherapy- it was crazy. I feel such love and support from the Deaf community, and for that I am truly grateful to be apart of this very special culture. Overall the day was fantastic. While it was hot, it was an experience that I am happy to have been able to finally take part in. I hope to maybe be able to go next year and not only see everyone from Gardner-Webb University but also some of the people that I ran into today. I love how intimate and special the Deaf community is, and I am so blessed to be able to take part in it and feel loved and accepted by those within the community. DeAnna Loudermilk Signs In Application Dr. High September 21, 2013 Workshops on a Shoestring This morning, Jessica and I woke up really early to be at the workshop before the 8:30am start time. It seemed like a quick drive from her house- only about 45 minuets. Once we got there, I was a little surprised by the workshops. By the end of the extremely

long day, I found myself appalled and offended by some of the seasoned interpreters reactions to the students. The first workshop was dealing with the Code of Ethics and the Professional Code of Conduct. First, this workshop just like the others, primarily focused on educational interpreting- something I have no interest in, and was disappointed by this focus. However, the workshop discussed how these two different documents that interpreters have are not their shield for everything. Instead, they may be Mandatory Reporters, in which case they will have to break some of these codes and guidelines. It was a very interesting workshop, especially regarding some responses during the activities. It was shocking how irresponsible some of the interpreters would handle certain situations. The second workshop was interesting. It discussed finances. I found the part regarding credit interesting- especially since I am not currently in debt. However, other students were wondering about student loans and how those work into their future financial situation- yet they were not called upon and their questions remained unanswered. This was something very common during this workshop. Students were overlooked and regarded as annoying, unintelligent, naive, inexperienced, and clueless to the interpreting world. The overall information though, was very interesting and generally helpful for those who are considering freelance interpreting work. The third workshop of the day talked about relating workshops to ones regular work and interpreting life. Personally, this workshop seemed absolutely pointless. If I were unable to make connections from what I learned then I should probably not be a student let alone an interpreter. While his point was good, that you should apply what you

learn to your life, the presentation was dull and stale. Overall, that was the least helpful workshop. Finally, the fourth workshop of the day came along. We discussed different interpreting environments, and how to avoid burnout as well as the pros and cons to each environment. Each group then presented to a panel of student interpreters for us to evaluate and see which one we would want to enter. Their reasons for pros were astounding- for example getting paid even when you do not work due to no-shows, or when nobody calls. There was nothing too exciting or encouraging. In fact, when the seasoned interpreters went, when they finished presenting, everyone clapped yet, when the students did one on legal, medical, and mental health interpreting, not only did no body clap for their presentation- one man even signed Then reality. Insinuating that they were clueless of what they were entering. I simply found this beyond disrespectful. Overall, I found these workshops very disappointing. I did not feel that I learned anything in them that I have not already experienced in class. In fact, the learning experiences in class were much more beneficial and helpful. I felt degraded and unvalued and like the work that I do here at the University is worthless. Considering that the Code of Professional Conduct says to respect peers, and Students of the profession, I felt that it was extremely violated. Instead, the interpreters liked to pick on us, use powerless and degrading language and essentially not listen to anything we had to say- regardless of the fact that we have experience as interpreters. This was a very difficult workshop experience.