As a new school semester has begun, most students are occupied with either work or the need for rest as they become fatigued from distance learning. Due to this weariness, many have put aside their fairly new hobbies they had picked up over the winter break. However, I was given the opportunity to join an educational program and recognized the improvement in varying areas of skills I have developed through the lessons.
Although I was skeptical of how beneficial these classes could be, the first American Sign Language, ASL, lesson I engaged in completely changed my perspective. First, ASL is a language I found to personally enjoy learning. Moreover, the different benefits sign language could bring to me in the future encourages me to put in even more effort towards my studies.
One of the reasons many people restrain themselves when it comes to learning a new language is because they consider learning another load of work rather than a hobby they can genuinely enjoy. However, I wish people could take notice of how serviceable and useful sign language and other languages can truly be. In addition to gaining awareness and understanding for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, ASL can also be beneficial by enhancing basic motor skills, communication skills, and strengthening vocabulary, as sign language has been known for making people naturally build habits of fortifying words and the meanings behind them.
Moreover, at times when you do not feel like using or further straining your voice, signing can be a more convenient way of communicating with others. This can also apply to peers and or classmates who want to speak privately. Especially nowadays, although it seems like a stretch, utilizing sign language between people while social distancing in public is a harmless way of gathering with friends while still taking safety precautions.
From 9 to 11:30 every morning on Saturdays, I have been able to take advantage of the American Sign Language 1 classes that have been provided with by my school district. Having this new class added to my schedule has made me get back to my usual work habits without slacking on both school and personal studies. Previously, whenever I had free time, I would only look at my phone or lay down and refuse to do anything productive, however, recently I have gained motivation to review not only the ASL course because I genuinely enjoy the learning process but regular schoolwork while I am at it.
