I’ve always wanted to become a linguist — to learn the art of language and alluring differences within every culture. While my grades may say otherwise, it’s my quiet passion and an interest that feels personal.

Yet, despite the fascination, I’ve never truly thrown myself into the world of language learning, and you may not share the same secret desire, but there’s no denying it: language is one of the most essential and empowering skills anyone can acquire today.

Whether you’re just now beginning your journey in language, have a bilingual family, or have simply found an interest, practicing in your free time can make a drastic difference in comprehension and consistency.

There’s an analogy I’ve learned through it all from my freshman year language teacher, which is to think of language as a bridge — a bridge to opportunity, understanding, empathy, and even peace.

Ultimately, it is becoming the very tool that allows us to collaborate, understand perspectives, and build meaningful relationships. Not to mention, it’s pretty impressive to say you’re bilingual.

In its entirety, the teaching of languages can be varied depending on many factors; however, for me, it’s always been a challenge, specifically, in school.

I used to think language was only about vocabulary lists and verb charts, but I’ve come to realize it’s much more.

I’m not hinting that I’ve never learned anything, far from it, but language comes with time and immersion. For five years, I’ve taken Spanish, the very language that was, and still is, the gateway for my love and interest in linguistics.

Still, it wasn’t until last year that I began my journey towards a quieter language: American Sign Language or ASL.

ASL may not be spoken in the traditional sense, but its impact is loud. Learning it has taught me that communication isn’t limited to just words and sound. In fact, actions speak louder than words — in a different context.

However, it may not seem like a lot, but I dedicate one to two hours every day throughout the summer to ASL Bloom, an app dedicated to teaching ASL lessons.

That’s the thing about language; it’s interactive.

Whether whispered, sung, signed, or spoken, it has the power to reshape our understanding of others and ourselves.

While I may still be early in my journey, and while fluency remains a future goal, I now realize that even those small lessons are worth celebrating.

In every sign I learn, in every word I practice, I get closer to building that bridge — one gesture, sentence, or relationship at a time.

With that in mind, I hope you care to listen deeply, share openly, and contribute to building a community where diversity is celebrated, even in a world full of disconnect.