When you live around a significant Deaf community, you naturally want to learn the language, not only out of responsibility, but out of an interest to connect. I felt that same connection with all of you. This project got me to pull my A.S.L. textbooks back out again, and whenever I was putting together a presentation, I found myself wanting to learn how to sign parts of it for you. This experience reminded me that going out of your way to communicate with someone else, by meeting them where they are, is a big part of what makes teaching so special. It’s something I hope to carry forward in everything I do. Thank you for reigniting that drive in me, beyond just the four years I studied it in college. I’m excited to keep practicing and to use A.S.L. more often in the future.
As for what’s in my immediate future... I’ll be moving out of Boston and starting an MD-PhD program. I'm still deciding between schools! That means I’ll be training to become both a doctor and a researcher. It’ll be a long road, with another seven or eight years of school, but I’m super excited, and I’m carrying what I learned here into the next chapter.
I also want to encourage any of you who are interested in what I've shared during this time to consider applying for a Fulbright scholarship someday. Getting to live in another country, learn from people outside your everyday world and see a different culture up close is one of the most refreshing and meaningful experiences I’ve ever had. If any of you ever decide to apply, maybe in about 10 or 15 years, I’d be happy to help in any way I can!
Thank you again for an awesome year and for letting me share my life in India with you. I’ll always be grateful for your time and support.
- Sid
