MaNeesha was born in Tennessee and lost her hearing when she was 3. She has a large extended family, including several members of her mother’s side of the family who are deaf or hard of hearing. MaNeesha first learned to sign when she was 1 or 2. Still, she experienced a culture shock when she first came to RIT/NTID, being around so many other deaf and hard-of-hearing people. She admits she was shy at first, but eventually made more friends and joined more clubs. She was a Floor Organization Assistant for Explore Your Future high school students last summer at NTID and is serving as the Ebony Club’s secretary and finance director. She says she’s learned to manage her time wisely so that she doesn’t feel stressed out.
MaNeesha McIlwain
- Where I'm from
- Knoxville, TN
- Age
- 20
- Year Level
- 2
- Major
- Business Accounting Technology
- Why did you come to RIT/NTID?
- I wanted to experience being around the deaf community 24/7 and I was curious about the services provided.
- Best thing about college so far
- Teachers have varied ways to communicate.
- Best thing to do off-campus in Rochester
- Shopping or hanging out with friends.
- People may be surprised to know...
- That I am part Cherokee Indian.
- Favorite food
- Chicken. Let's just say any home-cooked meal.
- Favorite movie
- No favorite. But I don't watch anything with snakes!
- Favorite sport
- Watching football or basketball.
- Clubs
- Ebony Club of NTID (secretary and finance director).
- Hobbies/interests
- I love to talk/text on my phone and of course meeting new people.
- Dream job
- Helping people realize that planning a budget truly helps.
- Where will you be five years from now?
- Hopefully with a family of my own.
- What would you like to tell the world?
- Treat others as you want to be treated. We all are a family in a way.
- Advice for incoming RIT/NTID students
- Come and leave making your family proud. And be prepared for the weather.