Amy Olson
About Me

My favorite animal...
Dogs! I grew up with black labs and rottweilers. In my lifetime, I had four dogs. My four dogs names are Jezebel (Jezzie), Dee Dee, Freyiah, and Adaline (Addie). In the picture above is Dee Dee!

Important people in my life...
My family! I would not be where I am without the support of my dad, mom, and brother. They are always encouraging me and helping me get back on my feet. In the words of my wise dad, 'Get 'er done!'

My identity...
My identity journey has come a long way. I am very proud to say that I am a Deaf Woman with a cochlear implant. I grew up bilingual in American Sign Language and Spoken English. It gives me the fearless power to make numerous differences in my life and the world.

My roots...
I was born and raised in Laramie, Wyoming. I was relocated to Marshall, Minnesota my junior year in high school till I graduated with my bachelor's degree. I am currently living in Portland, Maine.

My first Deaf Culture experience...
As I was raised in a very rural state with very limited resources, I was isolated from other Deaf and hard-of-hearing students and would only reunite with other isolated Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Wyoming once a year. In 2015, I represented Wyoming for the Gallaudet Academic Bowl, and was my first time visiting a Deaf school and being immersed in the Deaf community.

My favorite literature genre...
I love a good mystery book! My favorite children mystery books are Secret in the Dorm Attic by Jean F. Andrews and The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright.

Where to catch me...
Outside! I am hardly indoors, unless for sleeping and working with other students on their ASL goals.

One of many favorite outdoor activities...
Kayaking! This was a hard decision as I love to go hiking and snowshoeing as well!

An unique family tradition...
Every year on my mom's side of the family, the older cousins take a picture doing the exact same poses. My family likes to call the older cousins the '5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and the 4 pennies based on the day we were born! From the left is my brother, Lonnie, me, Alex, Grant, Austin, and Mikayla.

Sports I was involved in high school...
I was involved in many sports by being a player and a manager! I was involved in volleyball, basketball, downhill skiing, and track.

My favorite state is...
Maine! I call Maine 'All in One' state. There are oceans, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and farming. It is impossible to become bored in this state!

My favorite holiday is...
Christmas! In this specific picture above, I got Freyiah as my present in 2018! Best present ever!

Cooking or baking...
I love to cook! I am more of a savory-type person than a sweet-type person. I am still learning to master my baking skills! Baklava coming right up!

My most memorable trip...
My most memorable trip was in Summer 2023 when I traveled to Paris and to Norway! I wished it never ended!

Hobbies...
As you already know, I love to be outdoors and do fun activities with family and friends. In the picture above, I took my cousins out to go roller skating in Houston, Texas.

My favorite season...
My favorite season is winter! Here is my ranking for the seasons: Winter, Fall, Summer, and Spring. In the picture above was when I was in Canada. One of my favorite pictures!

My current favorite place on Earth...
This rock pier is on Mackworth Island in Maine. I love to come here and sit at the end of the pier and look out onto the water and sailboats! So peaceful!

My education journey...
I have been in school for 22 years. I started in preschool and have not stopped ever since! I am currently finishing up my master's degree in Deaf Education and will be taking a well-deserved break from education and will plan on returning to earn an EdD in Educational Leadership. *In the picture with me is Addie!*

My biggest achievement besides education...
I ran my first 10k race in 2023. I am currently training to run a half marathon in 2024! Wish me good luck!

One of many favorite things to do...
Celebrate people! I love to celebrate the big milestones my friends and families make in their lives! The picture above was one of my friend's wedding back in 2021.

My love for plants...
I am a recovering brown thumb and now an enthusiast green thumb! I love growing plants and looking at beautiful gardens! This picture above was taken at the Versailles Garden in France!

Try new things...
I am not afraid to try new things when it comes to food, activities, and exploring. This picture was taken in Norway as my cousin and I admired the beautiful fjords.

My favorite picture of 2023...
This was taken on a fjords ferry trip as my cousin and I explored rural parts of Norway.

My favorite thing to learn...
Cultures! I love traveling to different places and meeting people. I have always received wise wisdom and a new understanding of life when I travel and meet people from different cultures and ethnicities.

My future plans...
I am currently planning a graduation gift to myself to Italy and Greece this summer! I plan on making and planning more trips to travel around the world and perhaps even move to a different country in the near future!