Happy New Everyone!
My name is Barb Williams. I was born in Chicago, IL and
lived there until the summer of 1960 when my parents bought
a house in Maywood, Illinois. Maywood is a small suburban
town located Northwest of Chicago and about fourteen minutes
from downtown Chicago. My parents who are deaf have been
married almost sixty years, and still reside in the house
in which I grew up. I have four brothers and three sisters.
I am the second eldest child and since I was the oldest
girl I was responsible for helping mom take care of the
younger children.
My parents were ecstatic at my high school graduation and
while we did linger on post graduation plans it was assumed
that I would go to college or get a job - I chose the latter.
After working in downtown Chicago for several years I decided
to move to Michigan where I got married and had four children
(one son and three daughters). I had always regretted not
attending college so I made the decision to attend and I
began college in January 1985. Since I had not decided on
a major I decided to return to my roots and entered the
ITP at the local college. As a CODA I had the option of
requesting a waiver for the prerequisites, however, I chose
not to and instead took all of the beginner courses.
After three semesters I gave birth to another child and
postponed returning to school for five years. I valued my
time with my children therefore my schedule was contingent
upon the needs of my children. During the intervening years
my husband and I divorced, four of my children graduated
and my son and I moved back to Illinois.
I am currently working as a full time interpreter and recently
decided to complete my education. Also, in October I was
elected President of the NAOBI Metro Chicago Chapter. I
feel very humbled and grateful for this opportunity and
will certainly do my best to earn the trust placed in me.
Many of you don't know me and although I gave a brief synopsis,
I would hope it is enough for you to want to get to know
me better. You can do this by attending meetings, workshops,
and emailing or calling me. Should these options not work
for you I'd be happy to do breakfast, lunch or dinner as
my schedule allows. I am here to be of service, therefore,
if you need my assistance, please ask and if I'm unable
to assist I will do my best to direct you to someone who
can.
This is the beginning of a new year and I want to encourage
you to let go of past hurts and negativity. Remember, healing
begins forgiveness. Let's all move forward together and
enjoy the blessings of a new year and remember the original
mission of NAOBI!
Barbara Williams
President, NAOBI-MCC
 President@Chicago.NAOBI.ORG
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