As I briefly mentioned in my introduction, I am currently studying to become a teacher for Deaf first graders. I have developed a passion for the Deaf culture over the past few years, because my boyfriend's parents are Deaf. I know that this may sound a little bit weird, because we're not married or even engaged yet, but we have been dating since the 6th grade. Because of the friendship and dating relationship that we've developed, I have become very close with his family and I've learned American Sign Language in the process.

    I am going to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Special Education at WWU, and then I will move on to earning my Master's Degree in Deaf Education so that I can pursue my degree as a teacher. I will most likely attend the Northwest School for the Deaf in Vancouver, Washington.

    I grew up in Everett, Washington with my Mom, Dad, brother, and sister. My two siblings are nine and ten years older than I am, so I had the benefits of growing up as an only child, but I also get to enjoy my niece and nephews. We grew up in an upper-middle class part of Everett, and my parents were always able to provide for me.

    I've always known that I've had a passion for teaching, and I decided that I was going to be a teacher when I was still in elementary school, when I would gather the neighborhood children and "teach a lesson" to them after school.

    I am now studying to teach Deaf children so that I can make a postivie impact in their lives. Children who are hearing impaired go through some very difficult issues while in school, and I hope to be there to help them through.