Captain’s Log

Ahoy, matey!

My name is Christopher Rawlings, and I was born in Michigan. I was born Deaf, and I am proudly and fully Deaf—without the use of hearing technology. My language is American Sign Language (ASL), which I consider a beautiful and powerful way to communicate and connect with others. I was born to hearing parents, and at a young age, they discovered that both my brother Jeffrey and I were Deaf. Wanting to give us the best possible opportunities, my parents made a life-changing decision to move our family to Wisconsin, where there were stronger educational resources and schools for Deaf students in the Midwest. That decision shaped my life and future in a powerful way.

I am proud to be Deaf. No limits. No fear. Just adventure.

I went on to attend and graduate from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in 1995, where I built a strong foundation in education, identity, and community. Years later, I continued my educational journey and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2012. Education has always been a big part of who I am—not just in learning, but in teaching, mentoring, and helping others grow.

I have a deep passion for supporting and inspiring others, especially youth. I truly believe that our younger generation is our future, and it is important that we guide, encourage, and uplift them. I always tell people that it is okay to make mistakes or fail—because that is how we learn, grow, and become stronger. Through community work, workshops, and shared experiences, I strive to help others build confidence and see their full potential.

I also believe something very important—there are many different types of disabilities, and many people don’t realize that the supports and resources created for people with disabilities actually help everyone. Accessibility, communication tools, and inclusive spaces are not just for one group—they make life better for all of us.

Family is everything to me. I am blessed to be married to my wife, Andrea, and together we have three beautiful children—Ava, Chloe, and Brock. I lovingly call them my “ABC’s,” because they are the center of my world and my greatest inspiration. Along with our family, we also have a dog named Foxy, who brings even more joy and energy into our home. They all motivate me every day to keep pushing forward, to dream bigger, and to create something meaningful not only for them but for others as well.

I also have a strong love for sports, especially football. As a dedicated Detroit Lions fan, I connect deeply with the idea of perseverance, loyalty, and never giving up—values that I carry into my own life and work.

Water is a big part of my life, matey. Whenever I feel stressed or just want to have fun, I always find myself drawn to the water—whether it’s a lake, pool, ocean, or being out on a boat. It brings me peace, energy, and joy. Being on a boat is especially meaningful to me because you can go anywhere—there are no roads or trails, just open water. It has taught me to move with flexibility and flow, to trust the journey, and to find my own direction.

“On the water, there are no roads—only freedom, flow, and the courage to find your own way.”

That connection is a big reason why I feel a strong bond with the pirate spirit and adventure—it’s part of who I am.

Nature is another source of inspiration for me. I have always been inspired by the bumblebee, because it reminds me how important even the smallest things can be. The world needs bees—without them, many plants and foods would not survive. Just like bees, animals like birds, sharks, whales, dolphins, and many others all play an important role in keeping our world balanced. This reminds me that everyone matters, and we all have a purpose—even when we don’t always see it.

For more than 10 years, I held onto a dream of creating a children’s book called “The Adventures of Captain Finn.” I saw a part of myself in Captain Finn—his journey, his challenges, and his courage. During that time, I actually wrote five books in the Captain Finn series, but I kept them hidden because I doubted myself.

In 2025, I finally made the decision to share my story. When I presented the first book, it was met with excitement, encouragement, and belief. That moment changed everything for me. Now, I am starting with the first book, and if it goes well, I look forward to sharing the next four books with the world.

Now, Captain Finn is becoming a reality. This project is more than just a book—it is a reflection of my journey, my community, and my purpose. My goal is to inspire others, especially young people, to believe in themselves, embrace who they are, and never be afraid to share their story.

So come aboard, matey—this is only the beginning of the adventure. Together, we can make waves and create something meaningful.