InBuckeye Magazine November/December 2025

COMMUNITY

and brain,” she said. “Students with cochlear implants can experience hearing fatigue too. Because listening isn’t natural for them, it takes extra focus and energy.” Socially, deaf students in hearing schools may feel different. “That’s where we come in,” she said. “We interpret what everybody says so they can feel included.” How that affects them depends on personality. Outgoing students tend to do well, while more reserved students might feel isolated. “It really just depends, just like a hearing kid.” Being ready for any situation is a big part of her job as a sign language interpreter. Recently, the school where she interprets for a local Buckeye student had an assembly. It was loud and chaotic. Seid jumped right in. “If they sound crazy and are trying to get the audience riled up, then I have to look crazy and get the audience riled up,” she said. “I just kind of project everything I hear to make it very inclusive.” Sign language classes One thing Seid wishes is that more hearing

doorbells or smoke alarms to bed shakers and cochlear implants — her job hasn’t changed much. Students still need her to interpret what teachers and classmates say in real time. Each student is unique, especially when considering whether they come from a hearing family or a deaf family. Some students grow up learning only ASL and may not know much written English, while others are taught both. “For some students, their reading and writing abilities lag compared to an average student,” Seid said. “So, texting has made communicating easier, but only if they know written English grammar.” Seid also taught her own daughter sign language as her first language. Her daughter is hearing, but young children can usually sign before they can speak. Challenges of signing Deaf students face more challenges than most people realize, Seid explained. “For a profoundly deaf student, watching an interpreter all day can cause visual fatigue. They might need short breaks to rest their eyes

people had the chance to learn sign language. “I wish all schools taught sign language, just like they teach Spanish,” she said. “Anybody can go deaf in an accident, from being too sick, or a high fever. Anybody can go deaf at any time in their life.” Sign language is also a powerful tool for children who aren’t verbal, such as those with autism or Down syndrome. “They can use sign language as well to communicate,” she said. For those who want to learn, she recommends YouTube tutorials and learning apps such as Signing Time, which she used with her daughter. More recently, Seid’s aunt has also gone blind, adding another challenge on top of being deaf. So now Seid uses tactile signing — communicating through touch. “It’s pretty amazing,” she said. “Her hands are on my hands, and they follow mine around as I sign.” It’s a huge gift Seid can offer her aunt, but in return, her aunt gave her the gift of a lifetime — a career helping others find their voice through her hands.

Brown sisters win big at State Fair Two young livestock showmen from Buckeye are making a name for themselves on the state and national stage. Sisters Kate and Bridget Brown, Odyssey 4-H club members at Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies, took first and second place in Swine Showmanship at the Arizona State Fair this fall, continuing an impressive streak that began last spring when the duo also swept the top two spots in Maricopa County Swine Showmanship. The Brown girls have grown up around agriculture and competition. Their commitment to hard work and animal care shines through in the showring, where their connection with their animals consistently stands out. Next, the Brown sisters will represent Arizona at the National 4-H Showmanship Competition in December, where they’ll compete against the top showmen from across the country. “It’s been incredible to see their dedication pay off,” said mom Cathy Brown. “They spend early mornings and late evenings in the barn. This is the result of true passion and perseverance.”

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