The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Lecturer shares experiences

Lecturer+shares+experiences

The Cynic had the chance to interview American Sign Language lecturer Shannon Fitzgerald regarding gratitude, chasing dreams as a member of the deaf community and why she loves to teach at the University of Vermont.

The Cynic (VC): What do you love most about teaching American Sign Language?

Shannon Fitzgerald (SF): I enjoy teaching ASL because I love sharing my experience of the language and sharing my knowledge and experiences of deaf culture. The UVM community is so welcoming and a wonderful environment to work in.

VC: What do you hope students gain from your courses?

SF: I hope at the end of the semester the students gain fluency in their sign skills both receptively and expressively. I also hope they gain the confidence to attend more deaf culture events to enhance their knowledge of deaf culture and improve their sign skills. I hope that the students go away from my course sharing their knowledge and awareness of deaf culture and ASL with others.

VC: What extracurricular activities do you enjoy?

SF: I absolutely love going to shows. I enjoy traveling to different cities, checking out museums, trying out restaurants, shopping, going to the movies or just curling up with a good book. In the winter, I like to ski and ice skate. In the summer, I love being out by the lake if have a chance.

VC: Favorite holiday food?

SF: I do love turkey and dressing. I love apple pie or apple crisp.

VC: What are you thankful for?

SF: I am thankful for my family. They are my everything.

VC: What are you proud of?

SF: I am proud of how far I [have] come and what I have accomplished. I did not let being deaf get in the way of my dreams or goals.

VC: If you had to choose between the power to read minds and the power to teleport, which would you choose?

SF: To read minds!

VC: What are your hopes for the future?

SF: My hopes for the future would be to continue to be happy and healthy. Also [to] continue to learn and grow as a person.

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