April
9
One of my life goals has always been to learn American Sign Language. I normally talk with my hands so it wouldn’t be that much of a stretch. I have always found the language to be amazing and such a wonderful visual presentation.
My friend Nick has also wanted to learn ASL so I know it would be a blast talking to him with ASL. My brother and sisters all know ASL as well. I figure it will be fun to learn and I can use it by volunteering to sign plays in town or even work with guests in the theme parks just for fun.
I have worked with many clients who were hearing impaired but someone else always had to interpret what I said. Many of my events, speaking at a conference or training class, was the same thing. I would love to be able to do it by myself. I spoke with many interpreters who mentioned my personality and animation would help in the process. This reinforced my excitement about learning ASL.
I had a very hard time in school learning spanish and french wasn’t any easier. I just wasn’t able to master it and struggled the whole way through. I have a feeling ASL will be different and I will be truly inspired by the whole experience.
I was able to find a weekend event in Orlando which happens to be a very intense learning experience for ASL. It takes place in June and I am so excited for the opportunity to learn. They say it works best if you are a visual learner which I so am.
Nick has been sharing videos with me of girls and guys signing different songs. After seeing this video, I knew I had to learn sign. I mean, I can make my own music videos as well!!
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Matthew T.
on 09 Apr 2009 at 4:20 am #
Go for it!!! I am sure you have no issue achieving goals in which you set. I took one course in High School that led me to develop a great passion for ASL and great hate for Signed English. Learn ASL as its very useful in developing business skills as you can expand your coaching to those with hearing impairments and or people struggling and coping with the hardships that come along with being deaf.
MATTHEW T. @
COLLEGE OF MOUNT ST. JOSEPH
Michael
on 09 Apr 2009 at 8:18 am #
Matthew,
Thank you so much for your feedback. I am really excited about the journey and I will make sure to post a video when I complete the course.
Linda
on 09 Apr 2009 at 12:33 pm #
You’re such a giving person Michael. Learning ASL to help others is admirable. Good luck with the course.
Brad
on 09 Apr 2009 at 4:24 pm #
I was extremely AMAZED at the people who were signing at The Police concert! Seeing them and all their energy I was very inspired!!
When I was going to the local community college, there was this extremely attractive instructor that I wanted to meet. It turns out he was deaf and teaches ASL.
Because of my physical disability (only having one working arm/hand) I asked about me learning and he told me it would be possible, but a challenge. I was going to take his class but I thought I would be holding other people back. I would need someone to teach me individually.
I still e-mail the instructor but our schedules don’t seem to work out so he could teach me.
Good Luck Michael!
Remigio
on 09 Apr 2009 at 4:32 pm #
I spent summers in high school volunteering for an ASL interpreter and it was an extremely rewarding experience. The deaf/hearing-impaired community is SO beautiful and expressive. Best wishes on your new endeavor!
Michael
on 09 Apr 2009 at 4:39 pm #
All of your stories have really enthused me about this choice and my adventure. Thank you all for sharing with me. I really appreciate it.
Jonathan
on 09 Apr 2009 at 6:54 pm #
Hey, Michael!
My paternal grandparents were deaf and spoke only in ASL. To my unending shame I never learned enough ASL to really talk to them. Ever since I have said that I would learn to sign but never applied myself. Your determination to learn ASL has inspired me to go for it. Unfortunately there are no local opportunities to do that so I will be basically teaching myself. Wish me luck!
Michael
on 10 Apr 2009 at 6:25 am #
Jonathan,
There is no luck needed. I know you are going to do a great job and we will be able to sign to each other before you know it. I wish you the best because you are creating your own luck!
Jimmy
on 10 Apr 2009 at 11:07 am #
Hot video!