Coffee Chat with Shelly Carver

Video Description:
Shelly is sitting down and wearing a red sweater with three buttons on her chest with short white hair and black frame glasses. There is a quilt on the wall on the right side, other chairs on the left side, and a three folding door behind her.
Transcript:
*laughing*
yes, socialization is beneficial!
*sipping*
My name is Shelly Carver, many people know me as Shelly, but on official documents or emails, my real name is Michelle. Many people ask me. Who is Michelle? I was like, this is me! Anyways.
*smiling*
I grew up in Regina, and I never attend a Deaf school. I clearly remember when my brother, Greg Desrosier, was born Deaf; he is currently teaching ASL in British Columbia. Well, he is trying to retire.
My parents quickly identified that Greg was Deaf when they found out that he couldn't hear. My parents were teachers in a small town back then. One time, my parents tried to get my attention by yelling "Shelly," but I innocently ignore them, so my parents assumed I was stubborn while playing sandbox. At that moment, my parents pondered and suspected that I had hearing loss, and I was not just ignoring them. My mom tapped on my shoulder to get my attention; I looked up and thrilled to see my parents. That was when my parents were puzzled and decided to take me for tests. The result came back that I was Deaf.
My mom had been training with the John Tracy Clinic.
I picked up very well with speaking while my brother didn't. My parents decided to send Greg to the Deaf school. During that time, Mr. Leared, I am not embarrassed n spelling his name. He observed me and said that I should go to mainstream school because I could speak well. My parents only sent Greg to the Deaf school, not me; it was different.
To be honest, I did not do well in school at all at St. Frances Elementary School. However, I had an excellent teacher because he once caught my struggling skill. It is still crystal clear in my memory I was embarrassed. During history class, we discussed WW2 in a small group. The next day, my teacher handed out forms to us for a test related to our discussion yesterday. I finished it immediately, but my teacher was puzzled about my test. He called my name. I was like, what? He asked me, do you know what the answers are? I nodded; he emphasized that I know why WW2 started. I realized I understand, so I pointed out the question, "What was the cause of WW2?" I was thirteen years old. I was doing fine during my previous years at school because of my speaking skills, but my academics did not matter.
After that, I was angry until I entered high school. I told myself, I am done! After all, I was required to have read more; unfortunately, I failed more because I couldn't read. I was outstanding in Math; I was a top student in math; math was easy.
My mom observed over me and suspected something was wrong with me for a while, " not normal behaviour." I lacked motivation at school
*shrugging*
My mom decided to research the Deaf schools, and she discovered Gallaudet University.
Oh, hold that, let's rewind for a second.
Two and a half years ago, my mom passed away. My mom kept all of her files; back then, we knew nothing until my older sister cleaned and found that file. She thought that I should read. I was like, really? I went ahead; I was surprised. I read the letter my mom wrote to the Minister of Education to the superintendent, to Deaf school. She expressed her concern her daughter (me) had suffered for a long time. She considered sending me to Gallaudet University. Minister of Education responded, "No, Shelly is better by staying here in Regina so that she can mature and complete her high school first." My mom was stuck in a difficult position.
I applied for Gallaudet University... On June 26th, I received an acceptance letter from Gallaudet University. I was unsure, more like what is it for if I should go and fail.
Back then, my father didn't want to send me; he wanted me to attend the University of Regina. I asked myself, "how?!" No way! I ended up threatened "over my dead body." It was that bad. My mom calmed down and made a deal with my father to send me to go to Gallaudet University for a year to see if she likes it or not. My father slowly agreed, but he didn't want to learn ASL.
I went to Gallaudet University for the first time; I shook! I became angrier because I realized I missed out on this kind of outstanding experience for my whole of my life. I was owed time to grow my Deaf identity because they took vast advantages of my speech.
Supposedly it would have taken four years, but I completed my courses in 2 and a half years! I got 120 credits.
*nodding*

CONTINUE TRANSCRIPT BELOW AT THE COMMENT

Видео Coffee Chat with Shelly Carver канала SDHHS