The American Sign Language phrase depicted in this piece literally means “TRAIN GONE SORRY”. The English translation is “You missed the boat.” I drew it as a reminder to everyone to take chances in one’s life to achieve your dreams. For me this pertains to the energy and commitment I needed to gain acceptance to Gallaudet University. Ironically, “You missed the boat,” was a phrase I heard periodically from new Deaf friends who teased me for missing key phrases or meanings as I was learning American Sign Language there.

Lisa Wax, Art Instructor at Whitney Young
High School