Emma Castillo/THE RIDER
Learning a second language comes in handy, but learning a language with your hands is a skill that may connect people to others in a way words never will.
The American Sign Language Club meets weekly to give students a space to practice signing, build confidence and connect with both hearing and deaf community members, according to the club’s president. Founded in 2017, it was created to help students start learning ASL with a welcoming club to guide them.
Greyz Gonzales, club president, said learning ASL requires consistent practice and cultural understanding.
“ASL is really something you have to immerse yourself in,” Gonzales said. “It takes a long time to become fluent. It’s hard. [We try] to motivate students to keep learning and, hopefully, become fluent [while] meeting new people.”
The club currently has about 40 student members, along with support from faculty and staff. Meetings take place at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday in Health Affairs Building East Room 1.114 on the Edinburg campus. Gonzales said they typically include a structured lesson, where officers introduce new signs, followed by practice and interactive activities designed to reinforce the material.
“We normally have a presentation,” she said. “We teach new signs, then students practice among themselves. We usually have an activity that correlates with the lesson so they can memorize and practice.”
Beyond weekly meetings, the club connects students with the broader deaf community. Members have attended and hosted social gatherings at coffee shops and restaurants, including events in Brownsville. Seasonal events, such as Easter gatherings at Alamo, give families and community members a chance to come together in a voice-off environment, according to the club president.
The club emphasizes inclusivity, Gonzales said, with members being both hearing and hard of hearing. There are no membership requirements or fees.
“It’s completely free,” she said. “We just ask students to please keep their voices off and socialize. Sometimes the students are not fluent, and that’s completely OK. We just ask that they try their best.”
For many students, the club may provide a comfortable space to socialize and build friendships. Gonzales said practicing with peers may help members feel more confident when attending deaf community events.
“Some students feel more comfortable socializing here first,” she said.
As new officers who began their roles last semester, leadership members said they hope to continue growing the club and creating opportunities for students to engage more deeply with the language and culture.
Ultimately, Gonzales said she hopes members look back on their time in the club positively.
“I hope students remember joining and enjoying themselves,” she said. “It’s a long journey to become fluent, but it’s fun to make friends and socialize along the way.”
To learn more about the club and events, more information is available on its Instagram @aslclubatutrgv.
