Diversity Club hosts guest speaker
Ms. Ivette Guillermo-McGhee spoke to members of the Diversity club Wednesday to share her story and conduct group activities. Ivette was born in Mexico, and lived there until 2004. Both her parents and siblings were born deaf, making her the only hearing person in her immediate family.
Guillermo-McGhee moved to the United States to study at Gallaudet University, a university for the deaf and hard of hearing where she studied therapy.
“I don’t have a problem with being deaf – you have a problem with me being deaf” said Guillermo-McGhee. She is stating her father’s response to his parents, who wanted to fix his hearing rather than accept the fact that he is deaf.
Her main message during the meeting was that we all must accept ourselves for who we are and help others understand us rather than changing for them. The exercise during the meeting demonstrated making yourself comfortable without caring what others around you may think. The students sat on the floor in groups of three, and remained silent sitting in whatever way they were most comfortable. The group activity was extremely effective in demonstrating Ivette’s message.
Guillermo-McGhee is the Founder and Executive Director of Allies in Caring Inc. which specializes in counseling, community, and psycho-education. They assist children and families who are in critical situations, and treat people with mental illnesses. It is located on N Third Street in Hammonton. The organization is moving to a new location near the Eagle Theatre between this year and next year.
