Leaderboard

I wish I had been taught sign language as a child because it would have expanded my ability to communicate, connect, and empathize with others—especially those in the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Language shapes how we interact with the world, and learning sign language early on would have helped me understand that communication goes beyond spoken words. Early exposure to sign language fosters inclusivity and accessibility, values that are essential in building a more compassionate and understanding society. It would have also developed my nonverbal communication skills, improved my cognitive abilities, and introduced me to a rich and expressive culture that often goes overlooked. Most importantly, I believe that if children were routinely taught sign language, we’d grow up in a world where no one feels left out of a conversation. Learning it young would have made it second nature—something I could use not only to help others, but to build deeper, more inclusive relationships throughout life.