At first my fingers were awkward. They fumbled carelessly and sloppily like five uncooked French fries. I was in the fifth grade when I first dipped my fingers into the endless ocean of expression and allowed my hands to grow a voice. It began simply with the American Sign Language alphabet when a short, round woman came to my class on Diversity Day to teach us a few basics. I remember watching her chubby fingers …showed first 75 words of 423 total…

…showed last 75 words of 423 total…my abilities are endless. Today my fingers are stronger. They have learned to dance and tell secrets that would never have escaped through my timid lips. Ms. Smiths nudged me into the ocean of Deaf Culture. I stayed afloat and have become a strong swimmer in diverse waters. This experience I learnt that communication is essential; I'm hoping that one day there will be some technological advancement we can use on those with hearing disabilities.