One of the pleasant surprises of the 2009 Capital Athletic Conference Swimming Championships was the All-CAC effort of Gallaudet's Carlisle Robinson (Carmel, Ind./Carmel), this week's INTRODUCING ... featured student-athlete.
Robinson, then a sophomore, placed second in the 200 yard butterfly (2:11.38) - the last women's individual race of the three-day championship weekend - to earn All-CAC recognition.
Robinson, a member of the CAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), then started the 2009-10 year competing for the U.S. team in the Deaflympics, held in Taipei, and is gearing up for another standout performance at the 2010 CAC Championships (Feb. 12-14 at St. Mary's College, Md.).
What is your background in the sport you play? I started swimming competitively when I was six-years-old. I began my swim career with my neighborhood summer team then moved onto swimming year-round on a club team when I was eight to now.
What is your favorite spot on campus? As of now, I'd have to say Clerc Hall because it's where my dorm is. I hang out there with my friends. We have some many fun memories. The people who live in Clerc Hall are awesome!
Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)? Since I entered "Gally" I've been involved with many different groups on campus. Currently, I am the President of our SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), I work as a tutor for TIP (Tutorial & Instructional Programs) on campus and have been an illustrator for the Buff and Blue, our student newspaper. Over the years, I have worked in the Interpreting Department, made contributions to the International Club and been a part of the Honors program. I have also been a counselor at Camp Sertoma and attended the Deaf Youth USA camp in Colorado.
What is the most important societal issue facing college students? I believe that students at Gallaudet have to face the fact that we have to continue to fight for our rights as deaf students and to preserve them; we have to stay active and involved or, before we realize it, we could lose the very rights that our predecessors fought so hard for.
What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline? My major is in International Government and I hope to minor in Deaf Studies. I truly want to use my knowledge of government to work with Deaf people around the world to get our equal rights and to educate general public about the Deaf community. Whether we like it or not, politics will always play a huge role in our lives, and we can use the tool to spread understanding and knowledge.
Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life? I can't pick just one. I am fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life that made an influence on me. Each person had made her/his contribution and each contribution has shaped and shifted my life into different amazing paths. My life is not shaped by one single person.
If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be? I would tell them to cherish being a kid and to not grow up too quickly. Many people's childhoods, including mine, went by in a flash and we often wish we were a kid again when problems seemed to be much easier and everything, even simple things, were so fun and exciting.
What is your favorite form of entertainment? I'd have to say that traveling is my favorite form of entertainment. TV, Internet, movies, etc. are enjoyable forms of entertainment but that doesn't compare to traveling and how those trips have impacted my life. I have always had so much fun whenever I travel.
Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team? As a swimmer, I'd have to say Dara Torres. It is mind-blowing that she was able to return to sport of swimming at the age of 40 and after having a child. Not only that but she was able to swim better than when she was younger. The sport of swimming requires so much dedication and it takes so much toll on one's body (as someone who's been swimming for more than 10 years, I know). I am amazed by her determination and dedication. She is proof that anything is possible with a lot of hard work.
Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with. As someone who loves history and reads too many books I can't pick just three people. I have always wanted to meet everyone that I have read about and ask them questions. There are too many amazing figures for me to choose from.
