This year, thanks to the Mellon Foundation sponsored Deaf Studies Incubator Fellowship, I can enjoy a stay at Gallaudet University as a visiting scholar. This experience provides me with daily contact with colleagues and the guidance  of other deaf mentors at the only university for deaf people. This opportunity has already greatly enriched my  work in many ways.  

These short three months have already enriched my understanding of power, resistance, and the role of culture in shaping democratic participation.  

Having had the opportunity to see firsthand (including attending some rallies) this year’s  historic presidential election has certainly enriched and nuanced my knowledge of  American politics. In addition, the CDDA’s activity organizing debates, informing about  voting rights, cheering and involving students to bring them closer to the elections has  made me reflect on privilege and how the different dynamics and outcomes are shaped by  the different electoral systems. To be able to enjoy all of this in a sign language  environment and to discuss election results with deaf people is a rediscovered pleasure.  

In addition to all this, I have been attending several classes on very different topics: some  on which I already had a previous knowledge but it is always good to refresh, some more  practical and other more theoretical, and finally those that deal directly with Deaf Studies.  All of them have helped me to reinforce contents, refresh bibliography, reaffirm  methodological decisions and rethink my research as a whole; I can affirm that I have  gained confidence in my field of study and in the drift of my journey and my work. Over the  past three months, I have expanded my understanding of the intersections between  language, politics, advocacy, and I have reflected not only on linguistic ideologies, but also  on my own positionality in this regard. I believe that this is a fundamental aspect for  anyone who intends to approach Deaf Studies and the political dynamics that traverse it.  

Learning, debating and thinking with and alongside mentors and peers has emphasized the  value of diverse perspectives in addressing shared challenges in oppressive systems and has  enriched my understanding of power, resistance, and the role of culture in shaping  democratic participation.