Class of 2025: What will you miss about Gallaudet?

While picking up their caps and gowns during Grad Fest in April, some graduates took the time to share their favorite parts about Gallaudet and things they will miss. Watch their ASL video or read on:

Hi, my name is Donia Albisherawy, and I’m a graduate student in the Early Intervention Studies program. One of my favorite things about Gallaudet is all the events. I gather my friends together, go and learn about different things, and ask lots of questions. That’s what I enjoyed the most. 

My name is Lou Ann Cherena Santiago, and I’m majoring in Graphic Design. Looking back and thinking about what I’m going to really miss: I grew up mainstreamed with hearing people, and Gallaudet was the first deaf school I went to. It was so different–I was able to meet people and connect with them with ease. It could be tough communicating with hearing people. But here, I understood people easily on both linguistic and personal levels. I’ve made new friends and was on the softball team. There’s so much happening on campus. Truly, this is like a second home.

Hi, my name is Andee Chesler, and I’m majoring in interpreting. My favorite memory is probably during my first year, hanging out with all my friends on the Gallaudet mall, enjoying the weather.

My name is Steven Perrin Guerrier. I’m majoring in theater with minors in athletic coaching and dance. When I look back, one thing I will miss is socializing with people, learning ASL, and seeing how well people can sign. I moved here in 2017 from Haiti and use French and Creole. I didn’t know sign language, but I picked it up over time, and now I’ve been using ASL for the past several years. Gallaudet is my second home, and I’ll miss it. I love that Gallaudet gave me the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to be independent. I was so quiet in high school. I got a job at Gallaudet, and I communicate and interact with my boss to do my work well; I feel really proud of myself. Gallaudet is my second home, and it’s where my heart is. 

Hi, I’m Tye Lovato and I’ll graduate with two degrees: one in Social Work and the second in Deaf Studies. I’m really going to miss gathering with friends and with the DeafBlind community. I feel this is my second home. Gallaudet has given me so many opportunities and connections with others. I feel safe here. 

Hello, my name is Fritts Mosshart. I’m majoring in Business Administration and minoring in RMI (Risk Management and Insurance). What I’ll miss most about this place after I leave is my friends. We’re so close and see each other every day–they’re like my brothers. Outside Gallaudet, it feels quiet, but it’s vibrant and busy here on campus. If it’s 2 am and I can’t sleep, I can text a friend, go hang out, and chat. Or anytime at night, if someone needs help with homework, there’s always someone available/around. There’s no other place like this. It’s even written on the walls, “There’s no other place like Gallaudet,” but hey, it’s true! After I leave here, it’s going to be hard to find something like this–that’s what I’ll miss the most.

My name is Josiah Roberson, and I’m majoring in Business Administration, with concentrations in entrepreneurship and management. My favorite memories at Gallaudet are during homecoming week because all Gallaudet students, staff, and the outside Gallaudet community all come together here. It’s really wonderful.

My name is Abdul Samed Mohammad Sani and I’m majoring in Information Technology (IT). Looking back on my time at Gallaudet, I am going to miss socializing with international students in all the clubs and organizations here. I feel Gallaudet is my second home. I love the people here. After I graduate, I will feel my spirit will always be part of Gallaudet. 

Hi, my name is Casey Spelman, and I’m a PhD student in Educational Neuroscience. Looking back on what I will miss most, I think probably all the networking, connections, relationship building, and the community here. People are so supportive – if I meet someone, they’re always willing to stay in touch and encourage me to pursue opportunities. I’ll miss having that direct connection with the community here.

My name is Kathe Wilken-Yoder and my major is interpreting. My favorite memory is from this past fall when the triathalon team traveled to Florida to compete in the national championship. It was so fun! I treasure that memory.

Hi, I’m Alecia Miller and my major is interpreting. It’s hard to choose a favorite memory but maybe like Kathe, I loved going with the triathlon team to Florida – that was champ! But also homecoming week and NSO (New Student Orientation) week…but really everything about Gallaudet is just champ!