A new book

Our responses to A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign-Language: Dancing Hands

Inspired by My Shot written by Lin Manuel Miranda.

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Ms. Grace, Ms. Burleson, Ms. Owens, Ms. Longworth & Ms. Harlie

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I'm not going to stop communicating.
I'm not going to stop communicating.
Hey yo, I'm just trying to express myself.
I'm young, scrappy, supportive, and bold.
I'm not giving up friendship.

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Ms. Grace, Ms. Burleson, Ms. Owens, Ms. Longworth & Ms. Harlie

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I am not throwing away my shot!
I am not throwing away my shot!
Hey yo, I’m just like my country
I’m young, scrappy and hungry
And I’m not throwing away my shot!

I’m ‘a get a scholarship to King’s College
I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish
The problem is I got a lot of brains but no polish
I gotta holler just to be heard
With every word, I drop knowledge!
I’m a diamond in the rough, a shiny piece of coal
Tryin’ to reach my goal. My power of speech: unimpeachable
Only nineteen but my mind is older
These New York City streets get colder, I shoulder
Ev’ry burden, ev’ry disadvantage
I have learned to manage, I don’t have a gun to brandish
I walk these streets famished
The plan is to fan this spark into a flame
But dang, it’s getting dark, so let me spell out the name

Ms. Olivia, Mrs. Cantrell, Mr. Nasta & Ms. Jones

I am not using my voice to speak.
I am not using my voice to speak.
Hey Yo, I like to use sign language!
I'm young, unique and creative.
And I am not using my voice to speak.

Ms. Olivia, Mrs. Cantrell, Mr. Nasta & Ms. Jones

I am not throwing away my shot!
I am not throwing away my shot!
Hey yo, I’m just like my country
I’m young, scrappy and hungry
And I’m not throwing away my shot!

I’m ‘a get a scholarship to King’s College
I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish
The problem is I got a lot of brains but no polish
I gotta holler just to be heard
With every word, I drop knowledge!
I’m a diamond in the rough, a shiny piece of coal
Tryin’ to reach my goal. My power of speech: unimpeachable
Only nineteen but my mind is older
These New York City streets get colder, I shoulder
Ev’ry burden, ev’ry disadvantage
I have learned to manage, I don’t have a gun to brandish
I walk these streets famished
The plan is to fan this spark into a flame
But dang, it’s getting dark, so let me spell out the name

Cerebral Palsy: Ms. Kayla, Ms. Sidney, Ms. Hatcher & Mr. Ross

From Sam's perspective

I am searching for a friend.
I am searching for a friend.
Hey yo, I’m just like everyone else.
I’m young, scrappy and fun.
And I’m searching for a friend.

I’m ‘a get a teaching degree when I grow up
I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dag, I couldn't be happier
The problem is I got a lot to say but no sign language

Cerebral Palsy: Ms. Kayla, Ms. Sidney, Ms. Hatcher & Mr. Ross

I am not throwing away my shot!
I am not throwing away my shot!
Hey yo, I’m just like my country
I’m young, scrappy and hungry
And I’m not throwing away my shot!

I’m ‘a get a scholarship to King’s College
I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish
The problem is I got a lot of brains but no polish
I gotta holler just to be heard
With every word, I drop knowledge!
I’m a diamond in the rough, a shiny piece of coal
Tryin’ to reach my goal. My power of speech: unimpeachable
Only nineteen but my mind is older
These New York City streets get colder, I shoulder
Ev’ry burden, ev’ry disadvantage
I have learned to manage, I don’t have a gun to brandish
I walk these streets famished
The plan is to fan this spark into a flame
But dang, it’s getting dark, so let me spell out the name

Mr. Nathan & Ms. Ketron, Mr. Drew & Ms. Hollins

^{I am not letting others dictate how I feel.}
^{I am not}^{letting others dictate how I feel.}
^{Hey yo, I’m just like everyone else}
^{I’m young, courageous and kind}
^{And I’m not}^{letting others dictate how I feel.}

^{I’m ‘a get more friends}
^{I prob’ly shouldn’t boast but I'm 'a good friend}
^{The problem is I got a few differences}
^{I gotta stand up for myself just to be heard.}
^{With every sign, I inspire others!}
^{I’m a powerful young girl}
^{Tryin’ to reach my goal. My power of signing: untouchable}
^{Only a child but my mind is so mature}
^{These people don't get me but they're trying}
^{Ev’ry challenge, ev’ry obstacle}
^{I have learned to manage, I don’t know any other way}
^{I walk with confidence}
^{The plan is to build friendships as I go}
^{But dang, it’s challenging, so let me persevere and be my unique me.}