If your life is anything like mine then your dad, school adviser, fellow grocery shopper and literally everyone you come in contact with tells you, “learn a foreign language, you’ll make so much more money. What if you decide to go overseas? What if you meet a cute boy who doesn’t speak English?”

Surprise, surprise y’all, {almost} everyone in the world speaks some form on English.

Now don’t get me wrong, I tell myself on a daily basis that I wish I had taken the time to learn a second language. Because how cool would it be to go somewhere across the world and know what’s going on? Plus it’d be pretty cool to work for the FBI or CIA and make twice as much money. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t learn a second language, in fact, I HIGHLY encourage it.

However, what schools should be teaching, beginning in PRESCHOOL is Sign Language. I know, Spanish and ASL have little to do with each other. But in my elementary school, we were taught Spanish when I wish we would have been taught ASL.

In 2010, around 13% of Americans of all ages, were either deaf or hard of hearing. Fast forward eight years later to today, I can only imagine that percentage is higher. Think of your sweet, grandfather who already has hearing loss from the war. Now he’s 87 and his TV is turned up to 100 and he screams “WHAT?!” every time you try to talk to him. Imagine not having to scream when you want him to turn the TV down so you can spend quality time together. So here are some reasons why everyone should learn ASL starting now!

1. Counts as being bilingual

Whenever your future employer is looking for someone who speaks another language, you’re way ahead of the game. It counts as foreign language in college and on your resume.

2. Aids communication with those who have Autism

Many cases of low-functioning autism results in that person being unable to speak. However, their motor skills are fine and they still have the ability to learn and understand what is going on. Once they learn sign language, their limits become a little less. How amazing would it be if you could brighten their smile with a sweet conversation?!

3. Sharpens your eyesight

Ever noticed how the deaf never miss a beat? We know that the loss of one sense sharpens another and obviously when you're staring at people's hands and bodies all day long, you start to notice EVERYTHING. As for those who are not hearing impaired, once you start speaking with your hands, you’ll become more aware of other’s movements whether they’re speaking or not. After awhile, you too will pick up on little things.

See that speck on the wall?
No??

Learn sign language and I bet you will.

4. Helps babies develop language sooner

How amazing is it when your sweet niece can sign “more” to you when you’re feeding her?! Plus babies who learn sign language typically have higher IQ’s by 8-13 points!

5. Anybody can become deaf at any time

You could go deaf tomorrow. Your sister could have a deaf child. The love of your life might be deaf. I can't stress this one enough. One day, you might not be able to hear a single thing your grand-kids are telling you. Memories can still be made, even when you're speaking with your mouth!

6. Have private conversations in public

Because who else hates when some nosy fella wants to stand behind you in the check out line and listen to you gossiping to your roommate about some boy that pissed you off???

7. Makes training your pets more fun

When you’re teaching your dog to sit, stay, roll over, yes and no, using signs when teaching them these tricks allows you to communicate with them when you lose your voice. Or when your mouth is full of the French fries you’re eating while binge-watching The Office.

Sign language often gets overlooked because let’s be honest, how many deaf people do you know? I can think of one. One man who lives in my hometown and comes into Kroger every single day of his life. He is genuinely the happiest and most understanding person that I have ever been in contact with. Seeing his face light up when an employee has went home and taken the time to learn how to communicate with him.

ASL is so much more than helping those less fortunate. It’s sharpening your mind, your eyes and your heart.