Dana Richter was born in New Kensington and enrolled at WPSD when she was two years old. Her favorite memories of WPSD are the Academic and Math Bowl competitions because she likes to make new friends. In fact, she is still in touch with some of those people. Dana was also involved in SignShine, and counts the performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless the USA” at PNC Park as one of her fondest memories.
After graduating from WPSD, Dana attended RIT/NTID but decided it wasn’t a good fit for her and returned to Pittsburgh. She attended CCAC for some general studies classes and then, after researching several area colleges, chose Carlow University for undergraduate study. She says, “I wanted to apply to another college in Pittsburgh but for some reason, Carlow University was calling me. It was the best decision I ever made and I am happy to say that I am now a Carlow University Alumni!”
“At first, it was very difficult to be a deaf woman at Carlow University, but I had support from faculty, administrators, and my fellow students. I felt welcome there. They believed that I have strong potential and determination and that I could graduate with high honors as a Deaf person. I think it also helped my hearing classmates to see my perspective as Deaf Social Work student, because now they know more about what its like be a deaf person in their world. I also gave some presentations at Carlow about Deaf Culture and my experiences. I don’t let my deafness stop me.
One thing I struggled with at Carlow as that my writing wasn’t Standard Written English. In the first year, I had some failing grades because even though I answered test questions correctly, teachers didn’t understand my writing. I felt hopeless. I decided to ask for help through an independent course with an instructor. Over four years my writing skill has improved so much. Reading books is helping to improve my writing skill as well.”
Dana chose Social Work as her undergraduate major because, “I want to help and advocate for other people who are struggling.” She credits her involvement with the Junior National Association for the Deaf for four years and WPSD Student Body Government for one year, for teaching her lessons about leadership. Those high school experiences led to involvement with PA Society for the Advancement of the Deaf (PSAD) and National Association or the Deaf (NAD).
Last summer, she was one of six contestants that competed for the Youth Ambassador Program position, with the NAD. She wwas the first-runner up in the competition.
Dana says that her proudest accomplishment was being on Carlow’s Dean’s List seven times in a row. Another accomplishment was n award from the Social Work Department for Excellence in Field Education – proving to herself, and others, that she can do anything a hearing student can do.
This summer 2015, Dana is working at Milestone Centers, Inc. as a part-time therapist in the Deaf Day Treatment Program. Beginning in August 2015 she will be attending the 3-year Master’s Degree in Social Work program at Gallaudet University. She says that she doesn’t have a plan right now for what happens after getting her Master’s degree, “but I am sure I will find a great career somewhere.”
Dana would like to tell current WPSD students:
“Do what you believe in, don’t let others stop you from your dreams. Set your goals and keep going. It is okay to make some mistakes because you will learn from it and move forward for the better.”
This article is published on WPAN Volume 128, No. 4, Summer 2015.