Shannon became deaf six years ago due to Neurofibromatosis Type 2, a genetic disorder which causes tumors to grow on nerve endings. She said she lost friends in high school after becoming deaf, but soon moved on and learned sign language. With that communication and her strong faith, she made new friends who helped her embrace her new life and deaf culture. She believes becoming deaf was a blessing, and she plans to someday work as a teacher, possibly in the ministry. She’s active in several groups including Residence Life and the Women’s Center, and helped start Women of Faith, a Bible study for deaf women on campus.
Shannon Drummond
- Where I'm from
- Yorktown, VA
- Age
- 21
- Year Level
- 3
- Major
- English and History
- Why did you come to RIT/NTID?
- When I was a freshman in high school I became deaf and my dreams for the future seemed bleak. I lost hope but through my faith began to embrace Deaf culture. I decided to apply to RIT because my dream was to become a professional photographer and RIT also offered support for deaf students. The day I got my letter of acceptance was the beginning of my new life in Deaf culture.
- Best thing about college so far
- I have truly grown and changed into a better person. Being a Residential Advisor helped me learn how to accept and help others. Being involved in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and Christian Crusades for Christ helped me find my salvation. The teachers at NTID helped me shape what my dreams are as a future deaf adult.
- Best thing to do off-campus in Rochester
- Take a walk through Highland Park on a beautiful day while taking lots of photographs.
- People may be surprised to know...
- I have been working on a novel since I was 18 years old and it is based on my life experiences. It has three components: religion, my southern upbringing and romance.
- Favorite food
- Barbecue.
- Favorite movie
- Just Like Heaven; Mona Lisa Smile; Step Mom; Something's Got to Give; The Terminal, 13 Going on 30; and the Passion of the Christ.
- Favorite sport
- Swimming.
- Clubs
- Doves, Women of Faith - I created and lead this Deaf women's Bible study.
- Hobbies/interests
- Reading, writing, dance and photography.
- Dream job
- Even though my future goal is to become a teacher, my dream job has always been working for National Geographic to travel the world and take black and white nature photography.
- Where will you be five years from now?
- Hopefully working in Deaf Christian Ministries.
- What would you like to tell the world?
- Don't be afraid to love, to question the rules or stand up for what you believe in.
- Advice for incoming RIT/NTID students
- Don't sweat the small stuff. This may be your first time on your own so take things slow and don't be afraid. Be sure to come out of your room and have fun around campus and make new friends because they are the people who you will be able to remember in the future. Most importantly having alone time is OK. It is understandable that being in a new deaf-filled environment will make you completely happy and you no longer want to feel alone like you did when you are in high school. But remember that it is important to grow and change during this learning experience. So having simple moments where you are alone to walk around campus or eat dinner at Gracie's is a good thing.