Ashley Beghtel
Miss Deaf Oregon dares Deaf youths to achieve big dreams
Senior Ashley Beghtel, a family and human services major in the UO College of Education, is introducing others across the state to Deaf culture.
Crowned as Miss Deaf Oregon in June 2007, Beghtel competes for the national title during the 2008 Association of the Deaf conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Beghtel wants others to know how critical it is to develop leadership skills in Deaf youths, to support their sense of self-esteem.
"Deaf children suffer from isolation in ways that are far beyond the obvious auditory differences they experience," says Beghtel.
"They have none of the building blocks to create the foundation for building high self-esteem if they don't have leaders and role models. Instead, society offers the idea 'Oh you're deaf, you can't do anything.'"
Beghtel knows from personal experience how leadership roles foster resilience in youths.
She won her regional title, in part, on the strength of her presentation, "Dare to Dream," that described her experience as the first Deaf student athlete to compete in NCAA Division I varsity women's sports, as a member of the University of Oregon's lacrosse team.
"It is an example of an area where society in general wouldn't think it could possibly happen, because of the intensity of that level of competition," she remarked. "But I said to myself, 'I can do this.'"
Born hearing, Beghtel contracted spinal meningitis at twelve months of age and became Deaf. Her mother supported her learning about the world by encouraging participation in sports.
A soccer player from the age of five, Beghtel developed strong communication on the field. With teammates, she learned to take the initiative to set up cues well in advance.
"I use a lot of body language. I show my team how to point and indicate directions. I always try to get everyone motivated to work with me," says Beghtel.
Several UO teammates also studied American Sign Language (ASL) to learn more about Deaf culture.
"I've always lived my life as a pretty intense player. By the time you reach the collegiate level, you share the basic concepts of how the game is played. For me, there was no question of succeeding. My parents instilled in me that, in life, if you want to make something happen, you go for it," says Beghtel.
Currently an intern at the Oregon State School for the Deaf in Salem, Beghtel is working on a senior project that will adapt educational techniques known as positive behavior supports to address the needs of students who attend the state's school for the Deaf.
Miss Deaf Oregon Ashley Beghtel shares her thoughts in an extended interview.