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Courtney Herrera

President and Dean

Courtney Herrera

Courtney graduated from the Illinois School for the Deaf. She attended two semesters at another college before realizing she wasn’t happy there. She transferred to RIT/NTID and says that has changed her life. She says, “I love RIT’s people, landscape and the environment – except the long winters! RIT is the right place for me and my heart belongs to this special place where I couldn’t be happier.”

Location

Jacksonville, IL
United States
39° 44' 2.1696" N, 90° 13' 44.436" W
See map: Google Maps, Yahoo! Maps
Age: 
22
Year Level: 
4
Major: 
Computer Graphics
Why did you come to RIT/NTID?: 
Because of the majors offered and the great environment and variety of people - deaf, hard of hearing and hearing and well.
Best thing about college so far: 
Meeting many new friends and going to activiies such as FreezeFest, Brick City, RIT/Gallaudet Weekend, and many more! I also had an opportunity to visit IBM - it was a wonderful experience! Being a student at RIT is one of the best feelings!
Best thing to do off-campus in Rochester: 
Go out with a group of my friends to the corn maze, club house (go-carts and mini golf), Niagara Falls, downtown Rochester, movie theaters and restaurants. My next adventure will be a trip to New York City!
People may be surprised to know: 
I have a deaf sister named Kyleigh who used to be a student here at RIT, and some people don't even believe me because we are so different.
Favorite food: 
Strawberry and banana crepes and chocolate fudge brownie ice cream from Ben & Jerry's.
Favorite movie: 
"Grease," "Dirty Dancing," "The Breakfast Club," "Shrek" and "The Proposal."
Favorite Sport: 
Volleyball is my passion. Basketball, football and track (hurdles) are also my favorites.
Clubs: 
NTID Student Congress, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, RIT/Gallaudet Bash Weekend 2011.
Hobbies/Interests: 
I love to go shopping, play sports, camp, outdoor adventures, vacations, scrapbooking and hanging out with friends.
Dream Job: 
To own a business to make fruit pizza.
Where will you be five years from now?: 
After achieving a master’s degree in Business, working for a big company to gain experience, then hopefully start to achieve my other big goal: to own a business.
What would you like to tell the world?: 
I am deaf, and it does not mean I can’t achieve my goals.
Advice for incoming RIT/NTID students: 
Five things: 1) Don’t be a follower, be a leader; 2) Get out of your dorm and go out with friends. Explore what Rochester has in store for you; 3) Be who you are; 4) Don’t give up your goals; 5) Live your life.