WHS Alumnus David Hoppough

Since graduating in 2013, Weedsport alum David Hoppough has been pursuing his passion of working with the deaf. He attended Cayuga Community College at first, then transferred to the National Technical Institute of the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology with a major in American Sign Language – English Interpretation.
When asked why he chose this major and what life on campus is like David said,
“I chose this major because American Sign Language is incredible and the deaf community is incredible. Life at RIT is great, and the large deaf population on campus is awesome. A lot of the people in my dorm building are deaf as well.”
David’s passion for language, specifically American Sign Language, is shown in the classes he takes as well.
“I take deaf culture classes, ASL classes, interpretation classes, and whatever else I want. Next semester I’m starting French again and I’m very excited.”
RIT is well- known for it’s deaf population and deaf students who attend are allowed to do so for a significantly lower tuition cost. David explained why the program was special by saying, “This program is special because all of my ASL teachers are deaf, as are most of my deaf culture professors. RIT is a great place to immerse yourself in deaf culture, and the best way to learn a language is through immersion.”
So what does the future hold for David?
“I’m not exactly sure what I want to do when I graduate. But right now it looks like I want to interpret in hospitals.”
Whatever he decides to do, it’s safe to say David has found his calling.