Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be deaf? Have you ever wondered what your life would be like? Have you ever wanted to know the daily routine of deaf individuals? I’ll tell you what it is… it’s just like everyone else’s. They go to school, they go to work, they go to the store, they do the same things as people with normal auditory hearing. Sometimes, they have challenges, but there are always ways to help.

I am very glad to know a wonderful woman named Eloisa Basilio. She is the current informational officer for United Students of All Cultures (USAC) and soon-to-be the new president of USAC. She is very creative, funny, artistic and she has also opened everyone up to the world of deaf culture and sign language, as well. I am proud to call her my friend.

Basilio had lost her hearing when she was a child and has said that only one main thing surprised her.

“I didn’t give a big upset reaction when I was young. It’s not going to affect me. Just one tiny surprised that I hear the sounds went to turn the volume down.  And you can’t hear normal sounds anymore,” Basilio said.

My first main exposure to deaf culture was the T.V. show ‘Switched at Birth’ in which several of the main characters are deaf. I enjoyed watching the show, it talks about some of the issues that deaf people can face, and its one of few shows geared towards young adults that have A.S.L (American Sign Language).

Basilio had mentioned that one of the biggest struggles with being deaf was all of the missed opportunities.

“My friends went to the mall and saw the “Escape the Room” and my friends were interested and we discussed if we are going do it. But, I noticed there the sign said “sounds involved” So, one of them said, “Sounds? How we can see and they mention “dark” that we would be blind too. I can see their facial expression was sad and unsure, and we skip that place make us unable to explore the limit barriers.  Like… missed the great good experience of opportunity,” Basilio said.

I have learned a lot about sign language thanks to her, and I have also learned quite a bit about deaf culture as well. I wish people would know a little more about it or at least try to learn more about it. It really opened my eyes and made me want to learn even more.

“I want to let all people IF they see first time met deaf people with the air gestures or their facial expressions… then don’t think about the pity on their life(to deaf people). I was annoyed by someone just literally said to me “I am sorry for you become deaf and it’s horrible.”…  I don’t see anything bad or horrible, but it’s just ONLY one thing that I lost the hearing, that’s it. I am alive is important to know,” Basilio said.