American Sign Language Program & Transfer Students with Keisha

Transcript

Let’s hear from Keisha. She’s a junior at Western majoring in American Sign Language from Aberdeen, Washington. She transferred here to major in Western’s renowned American Sign Language Program. Since she’s transferred, she’s discovered Western’s thriving American Sign Language Club, where she’s been able to strengthen her signing skills and learn what it takes to be an interpreter. Tell us more, Keisha.

– Thanks, Alex. Growing up in the small town of Aberdeen, Washington, I always knew I wanted to go away for college and see what the world had to offer. In high school, I knew I wanted to start my career path at Western Oregon University. After I graduated, I decided to stay home and attend a community college to get my associate degree. After that is when I started my journey at Western. Switching to university life after community college was a bit of an adjustment, but with the vibrant campus life, I quickly adapted and found a great community. Wonderful staff and fellow students helped me to get on the right track and ensured I had the support I needed as a transfer student. Western definitely gave me a warm welcome and helped me get to where I am today. The deaf life on campus is amazing, too. There’s a club for American Sign Language, deaf staff, and plenty of opportunities to sign in and out of class. I’ve really enjoyed being able to improve my signing skills, learn what it takes to be an interpreter, and seeing the perspective of deaf people firsthand. It’s amazing how interactive the deaf and Signing communities are on campus. I’ve enjoyed learning what it takes to be an interpreter and seeing the world through deaf eyes. With Western’s help, I was able to follow my passion. I’ve also learned more about myself, discovered who I am, and fallen in love with other passions I never knew I had. I’ve learned that I love to dance, am capable of making friends, and have a passion for gender studies. Westerners has also helped me find out that I’m really good with student leadership positions despite being shy. Well, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Keisha, thank you for highlighting the opportunity for students to participate in Western’s renowned American Sign Language Program and to see the world through a different lens. Following your passions and finding your footing after transferring to Western from another university resonates with many, many other students. Western also provides students with many opportunities to discover hidden passions and talents. Thanks again for sharing your story.