Andrew White

Andrew White is a twenty-one year old student at Central Piedmont Community College. He is originally from York, Pennsylvania, and moved with his family to Charlotte when he was in the sixth grade. Andrew attended a pre-kindergarten class for deaf children in Pennsylvania and was then mainstreamed into regular kindergarten in the public school system, where he received interpreting services throughout his elementary grades.

After moving to Charlotte, Andrew attended Cotswold Elementary, Piedmont Middle School, and Myers Park High School. Having interpreting services available made it possible for Andrew to participate in various school clubs and activities, including cross country and the Outdoor Adventure Club. He was also involved in community and missionary work. Andrew is a firm believer that "no matter what, deaf persons should have equal opportunity and the support services to participate in anything they want."

After graduating from high school, Andrew enrolled at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York. After one year, he decided to come back to his family and friends in North Carolina. He then enrolled at CPCC in the Physical Therapy Program. Working part-time jobs in local restaurants while going to school kept Andrew busy. Soon he realized that the food industry was where he really wanted to be, and he changed his major to Culinary Arts.

Since then, things have fallen into place for Andrew. The DS department has provided interpreting and note taking services, which has allowed him to experience a smooth transition. Andrew also appreciates the support of the Culinary Arts Program staff. He is now able to work hands-on with food, entertain family and friends with his skills, and has become engaged to his long­time girlfriend, Allison Elliott.

When Andrew finishes the program at CPCC, settles into a job, and marries Allison, he hopes to continue his education by getting a four-year degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. He wants to become an executive chef for a major restaurant or hotel and eventually own his own restaurant. Although working and going to school is not an easy thing to do, Andrew keeps a positive attitude. He says, "I realize that often students have to struggle to make the grade, but to me, an "F" is not a failure. It is an encouragement to try harder and not give up. We can and will succeed."