A year ago he was saying he would go to college but was only interested in the University in our state. Or some college very close to home. Might not move out.  Sure, he would take classes thru the PSEO program our state offers to high school students. Yes, he might look at a community college close by, for a year or two, to save money. But he'd prefer to stay home and there was no reason to even investigate other colleges or other places. Was it fear or lack of confidence or some other similiar reason?  He relies on me a great deal: advocate, health care, hearing interpretation, driving, explaining assignments, figuring out math, etc.  He builds relationships with adults very easily, but misses large pieces of information. He doesn't initiate in relationships with kids his age.  I have felt, more and more, he needed the services and helps to start to be more independant, advocate for himself, ask for what he needed. And this would ultimately be best if he were on his own. Somewhere safe.

     Early school year in fall  of 2011, I 'Googled' "College programs for D/HOH students," and found RIT/NTID.  Rochester Institute of Technology/ National Deaf Institute for the Deaf.  Fascinated, I really started investigating what their mission was, who they were, etc.

     Sonshine and I traveled to Rochester, NY, for a campus visit in November. Knowing that the colleges always put their best foot forward, I reserved judgement. They make a very good first impression. To myself I said, "Don't be wowed."
     The campus reminded us of Minnesota in many ways...the trees, the down-home people, hard working students and faculty. The city  of Rochester boasts one million, but  it felt smaller than that. The campus is twenty minutes from Lake Ontario, about 90  minutes from Niagara Falls. The city is home to Kodak, Frederick Douglass, Susan B Anthony, Erie Canal, and plenty of other history.
     We met with the director of Catholic Life, where weekly Mass is offered and a small group of students enjoy the support and encouragement of one another. It is not crowd-packed, but the atmosphere and kids seemed reverent. He would have ample opportunity to not be overlooked- as a matter of fact, very much needed. He would be enlisted to serve and lead. 

     We next met with the head of the engineering department. A very gracious and kind man (the head of the department took time to meet us for an hour!!!) And when we had a tour of electrical-mechanical engineering technology department, Tom found his home. I saw his eyes light up and smiles all over his stoic face. Watching Tom was like the thrill one has when watching a kid on Christmas morning. He was allowed to touch, dream. The Professor indicated that Tom was the kind of kid he wants, unafraid.  That evening, when he played a game called Zombies vs. humans in the college field house with the college guys, I knew I was watching him pack his things and imagine himself already there. Smiling. 

     Perhaps, behind the scenes you will hear ungracious comments, but I saw compassion and at least acceptance of D/HOH students and the sense that this is part of the mission on this campus. I think they are offering the environment and tools to success. 

 Amazing, I think we found a place where he can feel like he belongs.