To whom it may concern, I am writing this letter to ask for your official welcome into Gardner-Webb Universitys ASL

Department. I am asking for your blessing, encouragement, correction, and support as I pursue ASL and Interpreting studies here at Gardner-Webb. I have taken all the basic and intermediate classes possible before writing this and I have enjoyed every class immensely. I wish to be apart of the ASL department for several reasons. However, allow me to begin with why I am interested in the major. I do not have a friend or relative who is Deaf, and before I began ASL classes I knew no Deaf people. Nonetheless, ever since I can remember, I have learned little signs at different places ranging from bathroom with my mother so as not to embarrass her or myself in public, to songs in church from a woman who knew Signed English. I have loved everything I have learned and when I thought I wanted to become a teacher, I wanted to minor in this beautiful language. However, after taking a formal class I fell in love with the language, the culture, and the people and felt the Lord calling me to work with the Deaf. If I am admitted into this department, upon graduating I hope to use my skills in the professional and religious settings. While I do believe that the Deaf learn about God the best from Deaf pastors, interpreters are sometimes needed for churches. I would also like to start a ministry for Deaf young people, around the college age; possibly in a coffee shop type setting where they can deepen their relationships with each other and the Lord. However, I am willing to use my talent however the Lord leads. I hope to work with all of you to develop my love and passion for ASL and the Deaf culture. What I have learned from you thus far has been so wonderful that it is

beyond words. It would be a great pleasure to continue to learn all I can about this beautiful language and culture. Thank you again for all you have taught me and I hope to continue to learn under ASL Departments instruction. Sincerely, DeAnna Loudermilk