DPN10 Anniversary: In Their Own Words-Jana Duffey-Bielfeldt

Jana Duffey-Bielfeldt

I was there when it announced that they selected hearing president, Dr. Zinser. It was like..someone slapped my face. I asked myself what did we do? We had the rally before the protest and wondered why they selected the hearing president. I went back to the dorm and ate my chinese food. I didn't expect anything like this. The students went to Mayflower Hotel and protested it. I saw it in the news and was amazed. I thought that they will just let it go and accept the fact it happened. The very next morning, I woke up preparing for my biology test. I got ready and walked out of the dorm and saw.....an empty parking lot! I thought to myself, what's going on!!! I went into the building (HMB) and they told me to go to the front gate of the campus! I thought to myself, not again... what am I going to do?

I took my school books back to the dorm and then walked to the front gate. As soon as I saw those angry face ... I was shocked! I grew up in a mainstreamed school. I have had always accepted the fact hearing people have the control in everything and there is nothing I could do. I knew I was wrong when I saw that moment! That minute, I felt mixed feelings. I thought, "Why can't they just accept the fact they selected hearing president and there is nothing we can do?" But at the same time, I realized... it is TIME! It helped my self esteem a lot and helped me understand myself and my deafness! I was there the whole week and felt great. I had never experienced feeling great about myself. I know now that I am deaf and I can do anything but hear!!! :) I have gained more confidence in myself than ever before in my life!

home profiles issues impact views activities

This page is maintained by the
Gallaudet University Public Relations Department.
Send comments or suggestions to:
public.relations@gallaudet.edu
Last modified March 12, 1998