Page 9 - Amarrilo Senior Link Magazine Spring 2019- Online Magazine

Going into freshman year of high school, I was given
the option of taking Spanish or ASL as a foreign
language credit. Since I had taken Spanish classes
before, I chose to study American Sign Language.
At the beginning of ASL 1, my interest and ability
exceeded my original expectations, so I joined the
American Sign Language Honor Society. Ever
since I have been involved in ASL and ASLHS, my
communication skills have increased exponentially,
and I am accepted more and more by the Amarillo
deaf community. There are many ways the deaf
community can recognize an individual as an
“extended” member, but the most common way is
by giving them a sign name. A sign name is a unique The Staff and Parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
sign representing your name given to you by a deaf
or hard-of-hearing person. The deaf community of wish to thank
my church recognized my hard work and dedication
and collectively decided on a sign name for me - the
letter “N” placed on the side of my chin. the Bartels

The Bartels and ASL have done so much for me in
my day-to-day life. They have opened me up to new for their many years of faithful service
communities I would otherwise not be involved in
and expanded my mind by helping me communicate
my thoughts. I am grateful that ASL is a part of my
life; in fact, I recognize it as a calling.

I plan to continue learning and practicing ASL and
hopefully become a certified interpreter. The Bartels stumbling to find my passion. The Bartels have given
have taught me the importance of being involved and me a way to give back to the community and taught me
dedicated in whatever I do. to express myself on a much deeper level. It all started
Having friends guide you on the path of your life is a with a push in the right direction, a call to action, and a
tremendous blessing. My experience with the Bartels helping hand from two selfless people. Mark and Zilvia
has led to real fulfillment. My path is clearer and Bartels, I thank you.
promises great reward. Had I not said yes to the call
to interpret, I might still be walking in the dark and

Article Submitted by
Natalie Davis CANYON HIGH SCHOOL

Natalie Davis attends Canyon High School where she is involved in American Sign
Language Honor Society, Varsity Track and Field, One Act Play, Drama Club, and UIL
Theater Design: Hair/Makeup. In the Fall, Natalie plans to attend West Texas A&M,
majoring in Communication Disorders to pursue her interpreter license.

Amarillo Senior Link 9