To Table of Contents program . I gladly accepted her offer to come to America .
What college degrees did you obtain ? I have a master ’ s degree in Linguistics and Rehabilitation from South Korea .
Did your college experience influence you to become an advocate for the Deaf community ? When I quit my job of 13 years in China due to being unable to advance through the ranks , I decided to start a new life by getting a master ’ s degree in South Korea . I had to learn Korean Sign Language from a novice level . However , I also learned about the power of knowing a second sign language , which helped me to expand my global competency and cultural awareness .
During my three years at the university in South Korea , I became aware of the profession of Korean Sign Language interpreters . Professional interpreters were available in classrooms , hospitals , and the community . There was a strong sense of Deaf identity and advocacy in all of the Deaf communities in South Korea , which was a brand new concept for me to experience .
What excites you about your role with St . Cloud State University ? Working as a Deaf research scholar for St . Cloud State University has provided me with so many opportunities to learn more about how American Sign Language was taught and used within the Deaf community , including the educational system . It amazed me to see all of the highly educated Deaf leaders working in their respective fields , advocating for the Deaf community in their own ways while being respected by their hearing peers .
What has your experience been like at St . Cloud State University ? My experience at St . Cloud State University has been an amazing experience . President Wacker , Dr . Kathy
Johnson , Dr . Amy Knopf , and many others have supported our projects . Although I have not had many barriers as a Deaf person at St . Cloud State University , I recognize the university has improved the access Deaf staff and students ' needs in terms of visual communication . Within the university ' s Center for International Disability Advocacy and Diplomacy , many projects will continue to increase access for more awareness . I ’ m excited to be part of the team working on these efforts .
What have been some of your major accomplishments during your career ? One of my proudest moments working in this field was when I successfully planned and hosted a seven-day International Week of the Deaf Chinese . This event promoted the rights to Deaf identity , Deaf advocacy , and Deaf culture within the Chinese Deaf communities . It took about a month to plan , recruit 30 presenters , and advertise the event across China ’ s social media sites . However , I felt very fortunate that over a thousand people watched the week-long event and watched it have a