I was born deaf in Marbella, Spain, but I grew up in New Jersey. My background is mostly Peruvian and Spanish. My mom'sside is Peruvian/Spanish and my dad's side is purely Spanish. At home, I speak Spanish and English, but at school, I learn with the Total Communication method. This includes American Sign Language and oral communication. I do not have any siblings, and am happy being an only child.

I went to Neptune schools (mainstreamed Deaf program) in Neptune, New Jersey from 1st to 12th grade. In high school, I was involved in soccer, field hockey, swimming, drama, visual media and yearbook clubs. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to do many extracurricular activities. I had the assistance of many of interpreters and note takers. This encouraged my love for learning and staying active.

I joined the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dance Company, the Student Social Work Organization, Alpha Sigma Theta sorority. I also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the RIT Pool.

Right now, I am a senior at RIT in Social Work. I have two more quarters to go until I graduate. From September to February I intern at the Rochester School for the Deaf. I am learning how torun groups for students in the Middle School. I am part of the Mental Health, Student Support, and Transition Planning teams. I help the Behavior Management Specialist with her cases as well as competing projects and paper works with the Family Service Specialist.

I am filling out applications for Graduate schools. Some of the few on my list are Eastern Carolina University, Syracuse University, and Gallaudet University.For now I am interested in getting my Masters in Social Work, but someday I'd like to earn a degree inAdministration & Supervision or in Education. Soon I have to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test to qualify for graduate school.

I am very lucky to have support from my family in pursuing higher learning. My family places great emphasis on college education. My teachers gave high expectations and gave me plenty to believe in becoming a Spanish role model. My experiences withthe RIT admission and financial aid processes have been very understanding and supportive. I also had a lot of encouragement from the Dean of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), Alan Hurwitz, Gerry Buckley and most of all, my Social Work Department.

I believe the Deaf Latino population faces a double barrier in our society. The need to address the special issues of Deaf Latinos is complicated by the conflicting values of the Deaf and Latino communities. So, there is a strong need to enhance each group’s knowledge in community education, information and referral, general well being of Latinos, and advocacy. We are a growing population and positive Latino role models are needed to support our minority group.