This past Friday was National ASL Day: a day set aside each year for celebrating American Sign Language.On April 15, 1817, the first school for the Deaf opened in the U.S (aslday.org). 199 years later, Sign Language is used by more than just the Deaf community.

In celebration of National American Sign Language; Burger King has “broken the silence” to raise awareness for the ASL community. On Friday, the King brought speakers and non-speakers of ASL together to help create the official sign for the WHOPPER® sandwich (Business Wire). (Watch the video here.

As someone who is not a native signer, but is equally as infatuated with the language, I would like to extend my gratitude to all ASL signers and teachers on National ASL day.

Thank you.

For teaching me how to communicate with the Deaf and hearing impaired.

For helping me fall in love with all things signing.

For breaking my stereotypes and opening my eyes to the world of ASL. Deafness is NOT a disability, but a way of life. I know that now.

For introducing me to Nyle DiMarco; a widely known Deaf actor on America’s Next Top Model. This beauty also starred in the 22nd season of "Dancing with the Stars" last month. He is truly an inspiration to the ASL community, and his looks don’t hurt him either. (As my ASL teacher would say, “I’m deaf, not blind!”)

Thank you.

For being patient with my slow (but persistent!) learning process.

For the blunt humor, that comes with ASL.

For fingerspelling over, and over, and over, and over again when need be (which is a lot).

For opening my eyes and ears to Deaf culture and the beautiful world of sign language.

Happy National ASL day everyone! :D