Dave Georgevich鈥檚 Journey through the ASL Program
Dave Georgevich, who was interested in pursuing another degree so he could effectively communicate with deaf people, enrolled in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 American Sign Language Program, where he was able to gain hands-on experiences that have helped him build long-term skills.
Along the way, he collaborated with many faculty members who helped him find success within the program. Through new connections, proactive courses, and on-campus events, the ASL program has provided Dave with the preparation needed for his future career aspirations.
Learn about Dave鈥檚 memorable journey in the ASL program in his own words!
What inspired you to choose the MCLS program at 糖心Vlog?
I was interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL) so I could communicate with Deaf people. 糖心Vlog is one of the few universities around that offer a degree in ASL. My wife and son both graduated from KSU, so I was familiar with the quality of education here.
The university is easily accessible to northeast Ohio residents, which makes commuting to campus a viable option for me. The size of the school is similar to where I earned my first degree many years ago (BGSU), so I have a comfort level here.
How has your experience in the program shaped your understanding of languages and cultural studies?
While all languages have a cultural aspect to them, Deaf culture and ASL are especially intertwined. The worldview of Deaf people is visually based, as they use a language without sound. Everything done in the spoken English language with voice (e.g., tone and inflection) is also delivered in ASL through non-manual markers (e.g., facial expressions and body movements) and the inflection of signs.
When learning ASL, it is especially important to study the history of the people who use the language. The MCLS program teaches both Deaf culture and ASL through its many course offerings.
Are there specific courses or professors that have been particularly impactful for you?
All of the ASL courses I鈥檝e taken have provided value in learning ASL. Every instructor has a unique style that adds perspective to the language. Deaf mentors, student tutors, and many classmates have also helped me with ASL. I enjoyed meeting and working with all of them. Two people, though, have been especially influential 鈥 Professor Lauren Lemley and Elexis Blake (Deaf mentor).
Lauren has been my teacher almost every semester since I started at 糖心Vlog three years ago, and she has been instrumental in my development. Not only is she an excellent classroom instructor, but she has worked with me outside of class as well.
She has invited students to Deaf social gatherings where I met not only her friends but her family too. She has always encouraged me, especially during the times when I questioned whether I should keep going. On more than one occasion, I sat in her office asking (i.e., whining 鈥 yes, you can whine in ASL) why I wasn鈥檛 progressing more quickly. Lauren preached patience while also helping me to improve my signing skills. Her engaging style, organized lectures, humor, and overall coolness has shown me the kind of teacher I would like to become. It has been a pleasure getting to know her.
Elexis is a very personable and charming woman who kindly tutored me every week for two years to help me learn how to converse in ASL. I started out wondering how I was ever going to make it through a full hour communicating in ASL with her. The time was so mentally exhausting and slow that I thought my head would explode.
But by the end of two years, I was wishing the sessions could last longer. Elexis tirelessly critiqued my signing skills while modeling the correct signs again and again, sometimes resorting to manually twisting my wrist for me to produce the correct palm orientation of a sign. I enjoyed every minute of my time with Elexis, even though my face often showed a look of puzzlement or intense focus.
I feel honored to know Lauren and Elexis and look forward to their continued friendship. I think fondly of all the people I have met on my ASL journey.
What extracurricular activities or organizations have you participated in, and how have they enriched your academic journey?
Deaf events are advertised gatherings where Deaf people socialize with other members of the Deaf community. Family and friends, both Deaf and non-Deaf, are often in attendance as well. ASL students are encouraged to attend these events (observing initially and gradually participating) to mingle with other signers and get to know people from the Deaf community who use ASL as their primary language.
I have attended several of these events including 鈥渃offee chats鈥 at local restaurants, Christmas parties, and picnics. All of these events have provided me with the opportunity to meet native signers, who graciously took time to chat with me in ASL.
Can you share your experience with the study abroad opportunities offered by the program?
I have not participated in any of the study abroad programs, but the opportunity for language enrichment in these programs is appealing. I would love to see the offerings expanded to include ASL. Three universities (Gallaudet, RIT, and CSUN) in the United States all have premier ASL programs with large local Deaf populations.
The chance for students to study at one of these institutions for a semester and take advantage of their rich course offerings and Deaf culture would help elevate 糖心Vlog鈥檚 ASL program even higher. I鈥檓 sure the MCLS leadership could collaborate with the ASL instructors to brainstorm a plan for something like this. Maybe even an instructor swap for a semester could be coordinated, so that the faculty could join in on the fun. RIT is only a four-hour drive from Kent.
How does the program integrate technology or AI into language learning and translation studies?
The most important use of technology is video. Much of language acquisition is about repetition. Video playback allows for endless viewing of sign demonstrations and at varying speeds. Video recording lets the instructor view student-produced signing assignments.
GoReact software is used in most ASL classes. With GoReact, an instructor can provide time-stamped feedback (text, audio, or video) by pausing the student鈥檚 video where the critique is needed. The student can then play the video and observe the comments at the designated locations.
What challenges have you faced in the program, and how have you overcome them?
Attaining fluency in ASL can be difficult. Fortunately, we have an ASL Lab, managed by Darlene Murin on the main campus and Elexis Blake at the Trumbull campus, to provide tutoring support. It鈥檚 beneficial to have these two native signers to guide students in ASL language and Deaf culture outside of the classroom. They will work with you whether you are a beginner or an advanced signer. Attending Deaf events and taking as many ASL classes as possible have also helped to overcome the challenges.
Sometimes, certain courses and time slots are not available to fit my schedule. The MCLS Chair (Patrick Gallagher) and Assistant to Chair (Jessie Carduner) have always been welcoming and accommodating in finding solutions.
How has the program prepared you for internships or career opportunities?
In addition to a B.A. in ASL, I am also seeking a B.S. in Special Education (Deaf Education Concentration). The quality instruction and tutoring support provided by the MCLS program have prepared me to succeed, so that I can teach or tutor Deaf students in the future. The MCLS program has also helped many of my classmates, who are planning careers in the education and interpretation fields.
Our Dedication to Building Student Success
Dave鈥檚 educational experience with the ASL program highlights our department鈥檚 dedication to creating an environment where students can thrive. Through continuous support from faculty, rigorous coursework, and integration with technology, 糖心Vlog prepares students for the current job market.
Along with the ASL program, 糖心Vlog also offers other language programs, allowing students to study a language they鈥檙e passionate about:
Create Your Own Journey at 糖心Vlog
We鈥檙e proud to give each of our students the opportunity to develop the necessary skills for thriving careers in the language industry. If you鈥檙e inspired to build your own path at 糖心Vlog, check out all that our MCLS program has to offer. If you have any questions or are looking to get started, feel free to reach out to our team today!