As a college student, this educational tour is a fantastic way for us to study in a casual setting and develop enduring relationships with our teacher and other students. A tour that breaks up the routine of college life and brings great enjoyment and fulfillment.
Being accepted by the deaf community and learning about their way of life in the same manner as other represented groups was a wonderful opportunity. We arrived 30 minutes early, ahead of the appointed time, because we were so excited to explore and learn more at their cafe. I noticed paintings of alphabets and how they appear in sign language on the back entrance of their modest yet stylish cafe.
I saw drawings displaying the letters and their appearance in sign language. We were welcomed with warm smiles and greeted. We took a tour of their garden where we could see their fresh and healthy lettuces that are well cared for by Mr Latoza and grown in hydroponic systems. Lettuces have a longer growing time in the soil but still thrive in the hydroponics system. They also grow tilapia in their pond. In addition to this amazing discovery, they also grow passion fruit and pechay as well as Blackberry, Oregano, Cucumber and many other vegetables and fruits. All vegetables and fruits have been cropped without any pesticides or fertilizers and they use worm castings for their plants.
We had a delicious cucumber juice and Shawarma wrap made with fresh lettuces and a piece of banana cake. They also served us crispy Nachos with lettuce, pork and cheese.
I was happy that I could pick up some basic sign language and felt comfortable saying "hi" and "hello" to them. Even though parts of their unique sign language may be hard to figure out, watching them engage with us strengthens the bonds and relationships between our two communities. It occurred on me that we, hearing people, need not be afraid to interact with the deaf. It is important that we stand by them and allow them to express themselves; it is better to give them a voice and a chance to be recognized.
Regardless of age, gender, or culture, sign language is very helpful to many individuals who are deaf or have hearing impairments. As a regular teacher someday, I am driven to learn more sign language because I want to be a part of my pupils' development as they become more effective communicators and self-expression experts. Learning this language may help them develop their social skills, confidence, and sense of belonging to a group. My goal is to make them feel like they belong and are not left behind.