I was born deaf for an unknown reason. My parents did not know I was deaf until I was about 14 months old. My parents learned American Sign Language to communicate with me. I grew up mostly in mainstream schools with interpreters.
Kristen Hammontree
I aspire to be a teacher or work in any job career that provides support to deaf children with hearing families with language, education, and resources. Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing major is to represent future leadership and set a role model for the deaf community, deaf children and adults, and parents of deaf children. Coming from a hearing family who learned sign language, I’m beyond blessed to be part of my family growing up. As an adult now, my family still signs. My family is an example of hearing family know they can do it. I cannot imagine a deaf child going through isolation and it is my job to lead parents and families to provide the best resources and support for deaf children. This is what leadership is for.
I decided to enroll at the University of Montevallo because UM is the only university in the state of Alabama with Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as a major. We offer ASL classes from levels 1 to 4. We also have ASL Club that hosts events and social time and most importantly, teaches and improves our sign language skills. I am the ASL Club president for this year and I’m part of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
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