My ASL story and a request for your support.
Dear Family and Friends,
I am respectfully requesting your financial assistance. Please read more below to learn why....
As most of you know, I am a Freshman now at Liberty Hill High School. Just starting high school was such a nerve racking thing…so many unknowns and what-ifs. As it turns out, the year has been one of the best -- even exciting! I know what you’re thinking…school, exciting (to Jacob)? Actually, yes!
The year began as all others in the past with Social Studies, Science, Math, English; the usual classes that every student must have to graduate. For me though, it also meant the beginning of American Sign Language (ASL). I had no idea how one class would turn my entire world upside down.
I walked into Ms. Knapik’s class in August and have found myself completely taken with ASL ever since. Ms. Knapik is an amazing person. She is kind, passionate about her craft, and by far one of the best teachers that I have ever had. I should also mention that she is the first deaf person (other than my awesome GG) that I have had the opportunity to get to know. Day one, I sat there watching her speak to us using her mouth and her hands, completely intrigued. In 45 minutes, I was sold on how amazing this class was going to be. As it turns out, I was right!
By the end of September I had become student of the month and in October I was named treasurer of ASL Club. I was also given the position of ASL Club Freshman Advisor. I jumped in with both feet and haven’t stopped yet. I volunteer every Wednesday night at Deaf Church in downtown Austin with others from my group. It has been such an inspiration. I have met so many people that have touched my life and opened my eyes to what it means to be deaf and the challenges that come along with it. They have also shown me what it means to persevere and live life to its fullest no matter the obstacles that have been placed in front of you. I worship with these people, I sign along side them and I learn from them. It is an awesome experience.
In June my American Sign Language Club is taking a trip to Paris and Barcelona. There we will be visiting many different historical landmarks but for me, the most important stop that we will be making is to the first school for the deaf ever built, the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris, which has a history dating to the mid-1700’s when founded by Charles-Michel de l'Épée.
I won’t say that this trip is once in a lifetime because we all know that I am only 14 (soon to be 15!!!) years old, and there is no way to know what my future holds for me. What I can say, without a doubt, is that this trip is an opportunity that I don’t want to miss out on.
With that said, it isn’t going to happen on its own. The total cost for the trip is $3,508. We are fundraising at school by selling chocolate, having rummage sales, and I’m even helping my mom to bake and sell some of her awesome cakes and pies. If I have any chance of making this trip happen, I am going to need some outside support. I find this kind of weird, asking for money…I don’t even like asking to borrow lunch money. But, I’m hoping that you will somehow understand what this trip and your support would mean to me. I don’t know that I am deserving of this opportunity, but I can promise you this…if I am able to go, I won’t let it be a wasted trip. I will soak it up, appreciate and enjoy every single second of it. I will let this trip be one of those life-changing things that I won’t take for granted.
Obviously, I understand that times are hard right now…I hear that from my mom almost every day. If you aren’t able to help, I COMPLETELY understand. I appreciate you just taking the time to read this letter. If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, you will help me participate in an amazing experience.
I am respectfully requesting your financial assistance. Please read more below to learn why....
As most of you know, I am a Freshman now at Liberty Hill High School. Just starting high school was such a nerve racking thing…so many unknowns and what-ifs. As it turns out, the year has been one of the best -- even exciting! I know what you’re thinking…school, exciting (to Jacob)? Actually, yes!
The year began as all others in the past with Social Studies, Science, Math, English; the usual classes that every student must have to graduate. For me though, it also meant the beginning of American Sign Language (ASL). I had no idea how one class would turn my entire world upside down.
I walked into Ms. Knapik’s class in August and have found myself completely taken with ASL ever since. Ms. Knapik is an amazing person. She is kind, passionate about her craft, and by far one of the best teachers that I have ever had. I should also mention that she is the first deaf person (other than my awesome GG) that I have had the opportunity to get to know. Day one, I sat there watching her speak to us using her mouth and her hands, completely intrigued. In 45 minutes, I was sold on how amazing this class was going to be. As it turns out, I was right!
By the end of September I had become student of the month and in October I was named treasurer of ASL Club. I was also given the position of ASL Club Freshman Advisor. I jumped in with both feet and haven’t stopped yet. I volunteer every Wednesday night at Deaf Church in downtown Austin with others from my group. It has been such an inspiration. I have met so many people that have touched my life and opened my eyes to what it means to be deaf and the challenges that come along with it. They have also shown me what it means to persevere and live life to its fullest no matter the obstacles that have been placed in front of you. I worship with these people, I sign along side them and I learn from them. It is an awesome experience.
In June my American Sign Language Club is taking a trip to Paris and Barcelona. There we will be visiting many different historical landmarks but for me, the most important stop that we will be making is to the first school for the deaf ever built, the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris, which has a history dating to the mid-1700’s when founded by Charles-Michel de l'Épée.
I won’t say that this trip is once in a lifetime because we all know that I am only 14 (soon to be 15!!!) years old, and there is no way to know what my future holds for me. What I can say, without a doubt, is that this trip is an opportunity that I don’t want to miss out on.
With that said, it isn’t going to happen on its own. The total cost for the trip is $3,508. We are fundraising at school by selling chocolate, having rummage sales, and I’m even helping my mom to bake and sell some of her awesome cakes and pies. If I have any chance of making this trip happen, I am going to need some outside support. I find this kind of weird, asking for money…I don’t even like asking to borrow lunch money. But, I’m hoping that you will somehow understand what this trip and your support would mean to me. I don’t know that I am deserving of this opportunity, but I can promise you this…if I am able to go, I won’t let it be a wasted trip. I will soak it up, appreciate and enjoy every single second of it. I will let this trip be one of those life-changing things that I won’t take for granted.
Obviously, I understand that times are hard right now…I hear that from my mom almost every day. If you aren’t able to help, I COMPLETELY understand. I appreciate you just taking the time to read this letter. If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, you will help me participate in an amazing experience.
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