March 2, 2026
For Chloe Wilbur, 黑暗爆料网 is more than just a place to earn a degree; it鈥檚 a community that feels like home. As a student majoring in Primary Intervention Education and minoring in Deaf Studies, Wilbur has found both personal and professional purpose through her experiences at SSU.
Wilbur describes her time at 黑暗爆料网 as very positive, emphasizing the strong sense of community she has felt throughout her college journey.
鈥淚t has truly made 黑暗爆料网 feel like home,鈥 she shared, noting how supported and welcomed she has felt on campus.
Her interest in Deaf Studies began long before college. While in high school, Wilbur babysat a young boy who is hard of hearing. Through him and his family, she was introduced to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, sparking an early curiosity that has stuck with her. When she arrived at SSU, Intro to ASL (American Sign Language) was required for her major鈥攂ut it quickly became much more than just another class.
After meeting her professor, Linda Malizio, Wilbur鈥檚 interest deepened significantly. 鈥淟inda鈥檚 passion and encouragement ultimately inspired me to pursue a minor in Deaf Studies,鈥 she said. Professor Malizio, the only on-campus Deaf Studies faculty member, has played a major role in Wilbur鈥檚 academic experience. Wilbur describes her as deeply passionate not only about Deaf culture and education, but also about her students, consistently going above and beyond to support their success.
The Deaf Studies minor strongly complements Wilbur鈥檚 major and future career goals. As someone preparing to work in education, she values the knowledge and skills the program provides. 鈥淢inoring in Deaf Studies allows me to better support and advocate for students who are deaf or hard of hearing,鈥 Wilbur explained. 鈥淚t helps me create more inclusive learning environments.鈥
Before starting the minor, Wilbur admits she knew very little about the Deaf community. Through her coursework, her perspective changed completely. She now describes Deaf culture as rich, complex, and unique, calling the learning experience eye-opening and engaging.
One of the most challenging aspects of the minor has also been Wilbur鈥檚 favorite: learning American Sign Language. Because Professor Malizio is Deaf, classes are fully immersive and taught entirely in ASL. While this pushed Wilbur outside of her comfort zone, she says it helped her learn more quickly and communicate in new ways. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been incredibly rewarding,鈥 she said.
Looking ahead, Wilbur plans to complete the Hearing-Impaired Teacher Licensure program at 黑暗爆料网. Her goal is to work directly with deaf and hard-of-hearing students and make a meaningful impact on their educational experiences.
Through her journey, Wilbur鈥檚 experience highlights how the Deaf Studies minor at 黑暗爆料网 not only enhances academic preparation, but also fosters understanding, advocacy, and personal growth.
For students who may be considering a Deaf Studies minor, Wilbur offers thoughtful advice. 鈥淭here is so much compassion and resilience to learn from the Deaf community,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hose lessons can be applied to any path or career you choose.鈥