Hello! My name is Erica and I'm new to this forum. I am twenty years old and I am a sophomore in college. I am currently taking a beginner's ASL course and I and many others interested in it are hoping to get it accredited as a minor. I am having a great time in this class, which is being taught by a speaking professor who has a very prominent background in teaching deaf children. I've got to say, it is a little bit more intimidating than learning a spoken language. The leap from English to American sign language is a small one, but that doesn't mean that the gap between them is shallow... I am amazed at how strong deaf culture is, and I am humbled and even ashamed for not being at least familiar with it. Tomorrow, my professor is taking us to a deaf comedy club in New York where we will get firsthand (no pun intended) exposure to deaf culture. I am a shy person and sometimes I get so nervous that I can't portray the emotions that complement the signs, so I hope I do alright!

Always looking for new friends, so if you want to chat, my AIM SN is holetoledo (just message me if you plan on IMing me because I block unknown users) and I have an online writing journal that you may find here: http://holetoledo.livejournal.com/

It's a pleasure to meet you all!

I am also learning ASL. I've tried so hard to find someone to help me practice. I've come close but noone has either responded, or they stopped responding.

I have an A/B in my class, but we have like 5 more weeks left, and I have to sign a story in ASL and I would really like if I can video chat with someone to practice.

Aslo if anyone is interested I would like to video chat with someone next semester (and beyond that) as well, becasue I'm taking the second ASL class, and it will help to keep the signs fresh if I can pracice with someone else.

Thanks!