© 2008
Newbie's First Con
by Katie Lovato
I joined the SWC in the fall of 2007. In this window of time, I have met some great people. When I found out that SWC was hosting a convention that catered to the deaf and hard of hearing, I knew I had to go. Granted, I hadn’t met any of the people attending in-person when I decided to go, and it was across the country from where I live, but I felt that this was something I needed to do.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to meet you in Philly next week for the convention? You’ve never met the other people attending. Are you sure you’ll be ok?” my husband said. “Yes,” I replied, “I’m sure – this is something I need to do for myself. And besides, I feel like I know these folks already. I’m looking forward to attending.”
I can tell you, the con did not disappoint! From the moment I arrived at the hotel to the early-morning departure to the airport on the last day, I had an absolute ball. Arriving Wednesday afternoon, I was greeted with a hug from Marty Mattox – yet that was not the only hug to be given or received that day. The welcome reception held the first evening of the con was almost like a reunion for me. Now, I hadn’t met SWCers in person until that day, but from the hugs and greetings I received at the reception, you sure wouldn’t know that! There were informative seminars in the mornings, and fun activities in the afternoons. There was always someone to hang out with or go somewhere with – SWCers invited each other to join them for meals, etc. We were like one big family. Lots of new friends were made during those days, and I can’t wait to attend next year’s con. The bar at the hotel seemed to be the social gathering place in the evening – whether you wanted to have a drink or not, everyone was welcome to join in on the conversations that recapped the day and helped people catch up with one another.
On a side note, it was so great to be in a group of people who go through the same struggles and triumphs I go through due to my hearing loss.
See you in 2009!