Although the Owl Sign Language Club was established just three years ago, president Angelique Inchierca’s efforts have already allowed its members to connect and work with the community.
“Having people recognize that someone is fighting for deaf culture and that we are making a mini-army of amazing support is enough for me to say that I have done some good,” said Inchierca.
Inchierca, a junior at Keene State College, founded the club her freshman year in 2018. She learned sign language in high school, and she said she was disappointed to see that there were no American Sign Language classes or clubs at KSC. Inchierca also said there was only one class offered through Keene High School for Continuing Education.
“When I came here, sign language was still a very big passion of mine and I wanted to continue it,” said Inchierca.
A chance encounter between Inchierca and Beth Zinn, the club advisor, sparked the creation of the club. Inchierca was signing near the stage at a KSC karaoke night and Zinn approached her. After talking about Inchierca’s knowledge and experience with sign language, Zinn asked her to perform a song. From that night, the two worked on actualizing the club until they were able to officialize it in the spring.
Three years later, the group has developed into what it is now. They spread awareness of the deaf culture of New England and provide students the opportunity to learn another language without the stress of a grade. There are signing days where they learn the basics of communication, movie days and guest speaker days. Students who know nothing about sign language or students who have learned the language are welcome to attend any of the meetings.
“If you want to learn, then you can learn. And if you know a little bit, then you can help teach other people and share your experience with it. It’s such an interesting group of people,” said sophomore Allison Jones, treasurer of the club.
If students want to join the club, they can just show up to meetings. Meetings are held in the library on Fridays at 3 p.m. and last about an hour. Students do not need to attend every meeting and there is no outside work they need to complete to be members. According to Inchierca, they have about 11 steady members, but they have had over 30 at some meetings. Inchierca encourages all students to give the club a try.
“Sign language is for every major. It is for every person of every age. You never know when you are going to run into someone who is deaf,” said Inchierca.
Angelique Inchierca was previously the Social Media Director and contributes to the Equinox.
Kiana Joler can be contacted
at KJoler@kscequinox.com
