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Baylor | Culture

This Is Your Sign To Sign

Makenzie Klement Student Contributor, Baylor University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Baylor chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

A few months ago, I took on the challenge of learning American Sign Language. Even with being very few months into learning, I have already started to understand the beauties and complexities of the language. Not only does learning ASL provide various career, communication, and intellectual benefits, but it brings a deep sense of fulfillment, one that I’ve already started to feel.  

In more ways than one, ASL has changed my outlook on life. For one, I’ve come to notice and appreciate the sounds of everyday life– the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the hum of an AC unit– while also growing more comfortable in silence. I think there’s an unspoken beauty in communicating without noise– It often brings a sort of intimacy and vulnerability in conversing that spoken words can’t always reach. Through this process, I’ve also come to better understand the deaf community and their culture. Hearing their challenges as well as triumphs has helped me get to know the community that created such a lovely language.

Although ASL has similarities to English, the two are entirely different languages with different frameworks and grammatical structures, meaning it can’t be translated word for word. This is partially why interpreters are in high demand and paid well– the language isn’t easy to translate.  ASL also differs by region, just like English dialects. 

However, the challenge doesn’t make learning ASL any less rewarding and fun. It brings me joy knowing I can communicate with more people than I could a couple of months ago. It’s also rewarding knowing that I’m pushing myself to learn a language on my own, entirely on my own terms. I can confidently say learning a language outside of a school setting is much more engaging and fun. Taking out factors like homework and lectures allows you to tailor the learning process to your liking. A more personal experience helps you fall in love with the language even more— you get to learn at your own pace and enjoy the process without the stress of grades. 

If you’ve thought about learning a language, for practicality or for fun, I encourage you to learn American Sign Language. Make it fun– learn the signs to your favorite songs, show your friends what you learn along the way, and get involved with a new community and culture. Take this as your sign to start signing! Trust me, you won’t regret it. 

Makenzie Klement

Baylor '27

Makenzie Klement is a writer at the Her Campus chapter at Baylor University. She works closely with the Editor-In-Chief to publish articles centered on wellness, lifestyle, and culture.

Beyond Her Campus, Makenzie works as a marketing and communications intern on Baylor campus where she writes for the Baylor Impact magazine. She has experience as a photographer for the Alliance for Women in Media in Dallas. She previously interned as a sports broadcaster for Baylor Vision. Makenzie is a senior at Baylor studying Journalism and minoring in Business Administration.

In her free time, Makenzie enjoys reading and writing, as well as going on fun adventures with friends. She always has her headphones on listening to any music imaginable, including 70’s songs, K-pop, classical music, and more. She is a huge Harry Potter fan and ready to prove her knowledge in a Hogwarts trivia night. Makenzie can almost always be found with an iced coffee or sweet treat in her hand. Despite being a busy senior, Makenzie decided to try out being a Her Campus writer in hopes to find a community of strong women and work towards her dream of being a journalist or editor in a big city one day!