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When I was young girl’s camp was the highlight of my year. I looked forward to it for months. I would get our camp list of what we had to bring, and carefully go over it to make sure I had everything necessary on the list (most of which I never used, like what did I really need mole skin for. Really it wasn’t like we actually hiked anywhere).
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My first year at camp we had meetings months before camp to get us ready. There was lots of stuff that had to be passed off before we could go. One of the things we had to learn was sign language. I was very excited to learn, especially when they told us that their was another first year girl, who was deaf that would be at camp that year. We were all going to be assigned times during the day to buddy up with her, and interpret for her. We had to learn all the camp songs, and signs for general conversation. We all worked really hard to learn our parts, and I was extra excited to get to know this new girl.
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When we got to camp and were introduced to Shelly (not her real name) she made it clear right away that she wasn’t interested in being our friend or getting to know us. She was cranky and mean spirited, and didn’t want anything to do with anyone except for a few girls she had know since she was little. All week long I tried to talk to her, and ask her about herself but I could never get through to her. I felt horrible, I truly wanted to get to know her, but she was not interested.
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The second year of camp I once again tried to befriend her, but after only a day I realized that I was there to do my “job” and nothing else. I continued to sign for her for all 4 years of girls camp, never learning a thing about her. I knew she was capable of being pleasant I saw her with other girls having a good time, but when it came to me she was all business.
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Years have gone by, and I have thought about Shelly from time to time. I’ve realized that she probably didn’t like feeling like a charity case. I’m sure she resented the fact that people seemed to want to befriend her just because she was deaf and all she wanted was to be like everyone else. I’m sure she questioned our motives especially because we were assigned to help her. I know her mother insisted on having people around her that could help her while she was away, and being a teenager she probably hated that. Whatever reason she had to not trust or like us I wish I would have got to know her better.
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A few months ago I was at my local grocery store and noticed a lady a few cash registers down. I couldn’t believe that it could really be Shelly. We now live far away from home what are the chances of running into her here in Utah? Then I noticed her signing to what I assume was her husband, and she had a little baby in her cart. I watched them from afar to chicken to go up and say hi. She looked happy, and her baby was so sweet. I wondered how she would react seeing me years later. I watched them go out to there car and drive away.
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Then again a few days ago I saw her at that same Macy’s store, this time with a van full of kids. I wonder why I care so much that she didn’t like me. I’m not one of those people who has to have everyone like me. Maybe it is because she never gave me a chance. I’m not sure, but maybe this is my chance to try again.