Origin

As I sat in my academy classroom in the summer of 2006, a myriad of emotions ran through me as I endured the regimented training. Long days and incredibly short nights stacked end to end for what felt like an eternity, filled with complex subjects that we would be tested on regularly. One subject, or what is referred to as a “Learning Domain” was how to identify and interact with someone who had a disability.

The vast majority of the material taught during the lecture applied to mental illness, developmental or intellectual disabilities. However, there was a one hour portion that focus primarily on sensory impairments. Having previously served as a sign language interpreter before starting the academy,, I found myself answering a good portion of the questions the instructor had during our lecture.

Near the end of that hour, the instructor asked that I meet with him afterwards. I cautiously agreed, fearing that I would be reprimanded because my classmates did not have the opportunity to answer the majority of his questions. I couldn’t have been more wrong, the instructor simply wanted to know how I knew so much about the topic. I advised him of my previous career, and he quickly offered me the opportunity to join him as an instructor if and when I graduated the academy, and felt up to the challenge. This is where a began carving my path.