Momentous occasion! This was my first trip back to the States since leaving in October 2023. Does represent the longest I’ve been outside the country, right around 5 months. Flew into Chicago to hang with a friend for a bit before the conference, which would be in Las Vegas. Then, I was off to Atlanta to see family before returning to Toulouse.
Being back in the US felt surreal. It was familiar, but at the same time, didn’t feel like home anymore. I grew up in Rochester, NY, but moved away 13 years ago. My parents still live there. When I go back to visit, it’s familiar, but it’s not home. Ruby Gordon is finally closing after maybe 40 years in the same location and I still remember the Pudgie’s Pizza and the Hostess store, though they have both long since closed. And there may be a RaceTrack where there used to be a BonTon where there used to be a McCurdy’s, where there used to be a mall… I digress.
Flying to the US felt like that. Driving a car that’s not yours. Anywho, the museums were cool and we got some deep dish and hot wings.
Being back in the US felt surreal. It was familiar, but at the same time, didn’t feel like home anymore. I grew up in Rochester, NY, but moved away 13 years ago. My parents still live there. When I go back to visit, it’s familiar, but it’s not home. Ruby Gordon is finally closing after maybe 40 years in the same location and I still remember the Pudgie’s Pizza and the Hostess store, though they have both long since closed. And there may be a RaceTrack where there used to be a BonTon where there used to be a McCurdy’s, where there used to be a mall… I digress.
Flying to the US felt like that. Driving a car that’s not yours. Anywho, the museums were cool and we got some deep dish and hot wings.
And then there’s Vegas! The first time I attended ACEDHH, I wasn’t exactly kicking and screaming, but I was skeptical that I’d enjoy a research conference the way I’d enjoyed conferences that were geared toward teachers. It’s since become one of the conferences I look forward to every year. Deaf education researchers, these are my people! I am, however, meh about Vegas. I’m more lowkey than LV brings to mind. And by necessity of where we were, everything was expensive.
But, I presented my work, had good conversations, and met wonderful people. I feel supported at ACEDHH in ways I don’t always feel with my grad school cohort. More senior researchers take the time to ask me about my work, share insight about their own work, and generally contribute positively to the vibe. And then say, “Hey, come to dinner with us, I’m paying,” because they want you around for those conversations that happen around the table.
Shoutout to Dr. Carla García-Fernández! A familiar face from July 2015. I’ve thought about her work often over the years and was excited to connect again.
But, I presented my work, had good conversations, and met wonderful people. I feel supported at ACEDHH in ways I don’t always feel with my grad school cohort. More senior researchers take the time to ask me about my work, share insight about their own work, and generally contribute positively to the vibe. And then say, “Hey, come to dinner with us, I’m paying,” because they want you around for those conversations that happen around the table.
Shoutout to Dr. Carla García-Fernández! A familiar face from July 2015. I’ve thought about her work often over the years and was excited to connect again.
Ended the sojourn with a trip to Atlanta and then Alabama to see family. Was nice to hang with my sister, beat her at cards -badly- and relax.
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