This language is exceptionally special to me. 

I have, or had, two aunts who are deaf. The one aunt who signed with me died from breast cancer in Feb. 2017. I miss her every day. 

This isn’t the only reason why ASL holds near to my heart. I’ve always been enchanted by the language. It’s beautiful. I’d marvel at the interpreters at concerts and events. I’ve always been fascinated with the way they can communicate with their hands and facial expressions. All I can explain is I’ve invariably been drawn to ASL like it was always meant to be a part of my life.

I’d been practicing ASL since 2008, and then I began taking classes at both Long Beach City College and Golden West College from 2012-2014. At one point, I wanted to become an ASL interpreter. 

However, my plans came to a halt in the summer of 2014 when my stepdad suddenly died from lung cancer. I moved up from Long Beach to Monterey to be close to my mom, and my focus went in a different direction.

Throughout college, I practiced ASL when I could, but certain areas have fewer deaf events than others, so it can be quite challenging to keep up with it. Then when my aunt passed away, I felt some of my motivation died with her. 

Life becomes busy once you graduate college, then you’re off to the real world, the workforce life. I’ve been working full-time up until now. 

This present time has allowed me to pause and ponder about what I want, what I love, and what I missed. I love to write and sign. Through this time during lockdown, I’m getting to know myself again. I’m getting back into the swing of sign language. 

I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me.

P.S. Remember to support the Deaf community and Deaf content creators. Support is imperative. Be an ASL ally.

SSxx