BCS is part of a partnership with the American Sign Language school PS 347. I never thought that I would ever participate in something like this ever. Meeting people who were Deaf or hard of hearing was very interesting and eye-opening. It felt like I walked into a different world full of signs, kindness, and unity. Initially, when I started learning sign language I thought that Deaf people were completely different than individuals who could hear. But the more sign language culture and words I learned, and especially after a field trip to PS 347 to collaborate on a music video, the more I realized that Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people weren’t so different after all.
On May 1, we had already filmed some scenes here at BCS. On May 4, we visited PS 347 with our teacher Kori to meet with some hard-of-hearing kids to film a music video together. It took some navigation on the train before we arrived in Manhattan but eventually we made it to the meet-up spot in a park where we could introduce ourselves to the kids. Right away, the students all ran over to the leader of the song Malik Paris, signing, “Oh my gosh, it’s him! It’s him!” Malik is an incredible Deaf BIPOC performer who has been working with Kori and BCS for years. He translated the song that we were signing with the PS 347 kids.
At first, it was a little awkward trying to become friends with the kid you were assigned but eventually, we all became fast friends. A few kids and I started a massive game of tag which brought everyone together. It was so wholesome seeing little kids running around with wide smiles and having fun with their assigned middle or high schooler.
One BCS student Sona (Grade 7), said, “It was cool how strong a bond we could make with the kids in such a short time.” There was laughing, hugs, and playing as the entire group indulged in hide-and-seek along with tag while the grown-ups took groups one by one to start filming the music video. The music video at first was a bit of a mess; the fog and the rain set in, making everyone soaked. Even though we faced adversity all of us persisted to film our verses in sign language. And once every group was done we got to play even more, “I saw their faces light up when we did ASL” said one BCS student Denny (Grade 10).
Eventually after lots of sad goodbyes and filming we all had to go back to BCS. Vivian (Grade 7), said what I felt also, “I’m going to miss my kids so much.” As we exited the park some of my classmates even cried as the kids were signing and wanting us to stay and keep playing. In the end, this fun filming experience showed me that Deaf and hard of hearing people aren’t so different from me after all. I can’t wait to see the final music video we made and visit our new friends again.
