Personal Development & Growth - Embracing the feeling of connection and pursuing fluency in sign language requires courage and confidence [2][3] - Overcoming the fear of making mistakes is crucial for building connections with others [4] - The journey of self-discovery involves navigating unconventional paths and embracing the "blur" [13][16] - Balancing multiple commitments can lead to challenges, but also to unique insights and a sense of belonging [11][15] - Sometimes, ignoring external advice is necessary to truly understand oneself [16] Sign Language & Inclusion - Sign language is portrayed as a "secret code" and a key to inclusion for the deaf community [1][14] - The speaker's sign language teacher served as a mentor, immersing her in the language and culture [5][6] - Interpreting provides access and understanding for those who would otherwise be excluded [2][14] - Learning sign language is valuable and should be encouraged [14][15] Overcoming Challenges - Pursuing multiple goals simultaneously can lead to academic and personal setbacks [8][9] - External pressures and warnings can create internal tension and self-doubt [10][11]