The Vortex

The vortex is the cafeteria on campus - the epicenter of Gallaudet University's social life.

It is interesting to see how the groups divide: the undergraduate students take the tables near the entrance (and divide into subgroups of residential and mainstream students), the international students occupy about 2 or 3 tables near the center of the room, the post-20s students are often near the TVs, and the hearing student groups are usually on the second floor.

On a campus of 2,000 (or less) students, we still find ways to segregate ourselves. Even under the banner of deafness (or at least an interest in deafness), the hunt for division and inclusion is obvious.

It is natural and usually healthy to try and find those who are similar to you; with an identity comes stability and a sense of significance. Being aware of this tendency does not mean you won't fall prey to it, sadly.

Last Friday I broke the vortex longest-chat record. I sat with friends for over 4 hours. We were all white, all in our mid-20s, and all hearing.

I'm so predictable. I even sat on the second floor.