One of my favorite part of the conferences and workshops is the conversations that you can have with other interpreters. Tonight's dialogues have run the gamut from pros/cons of freelancing/ staff positions; D.C. interpreting licensing laws (a hot topic which is currently being discussed); the dynamics of and misconceptions about hearing-Deaf interpreting teams; the gap between ITP training, real world experience, and obtaining certification; and the 10,000 hour rule, from Malcom Gladwell's Outliers: Story of Success (the 10,00 hour rule which is referred to in this blog is definitely another topic of another day).
While these spontaneous discussions concluded my day (well maybe dinner conversations were not quite so spontaneous), the rest of the day was fantastic as well. It is hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of the conference. In addition the the business meeting, I had the opportunity to attend two workshops- theater tech for interpreters and back translation (and this is where I get to brag about my friend, Jennifer Cranston who presented her back translation workshop for the first time and did an amazing job. She will also be presenting for VRID District I this spring. Stay tuned for more information!). We had a great day and I am working with a great team- both the conference committee and support staff. Tomorrow will be another full (and great) day!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
PCRID Conference: Day 1
It has been a long, but great first day at the PCRID conference. As always, there were a a few minor hiccups, but this continues to be a fantastic learning experience. I have enjoyed seeing friends and colleagues as well as meeting new people.
The highlight of my day was having the privilege of introducing Dennis Cokely at his workshop. Dr. Cokely presented a six hour workshop entitled, "Cars, Dogs, and Cows: Culturally Rich Realities," during which we examined what defines our schema and our we can co-construct a shared schema with those around us. Function is what defines the "car-ness,""dog-ness," and "cow-ness" in our lives. As interpreters, we must evaluate how explict and implict meaning will affect our work.
This day has been a blur and I am sure the weekend will go by just as quickly. On that note, I am off to bed since morning will come all too soon.
The highlight of my day was having the privilege of introducing Dennis Cokely at his workshop. Dr. Cokely presented a six hour workshop entitled, "Cars, Dogs, and Cows: Culturally Rich Realities," during which we examined what defines our schema and our we can co-construct a shared schema with those around us. Function is what defines the "car-ness,""dog-ness," and "cow-ness" in our lives. As interpreters, we must evaluate how explict and implict meaning will affect our work.
This day has been a blur and I am sure the weekend will go by just as quickly. On that note, I am off to bed since morning will come all too soon.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Get out there, get involved, & pay it forward!
Yet another month has been a blur! I have yet to figure out where the time has gone or why it is flying by so fast. Life continues to be insanely busy, especially as I gear up for the annual PCRID conference this weekend which brings up a good point...
Why do people go to conferences? And why would someone want to volunteer at a conference?
(Before I continue, I would like to state that in my defense I did start a blog posting two weeks ago, but it remains a work in progress. Stay tuned for my post on receptive interpreting.)
Besides the obvious answer that an interpreter is required to earn CEUs to maintain certification (and the Code of Professional Conduct requires us to engage in professional development).
Oh yeah, the cost of the conference, hotel, food, etc. is tax deductible.
Personally, I am a huge advocate of professional development and interpreters need to be life long learners, however conferences and workshops also provide a wonderful opportunity to expand one's network and engage in professional dialogue. Particularly as a freelance interpreter, networking has proven invaluable as many of the interpreters I meet at these events are my potential co-interpreter on assignments. By volunteering and attending national and regional conferences, my professional network is expanded even further. I truly enjoy keeping up with my interpreter friends on Facebook and seeing their names on the "Newly Certified" list in the VIEWS.
As I prepared to graduate from my ITP, I applied to join the support staff for the upcoming RID conference. It was a phenomenal experience and gave me a unique opportunity to learn and dive into the interpreting field. In hindsight, I wish I had been encouraged to become involved with RID sooner because I wasn't aware that such experiences were out there. Now, I encourage the ITP students I know to apply for conference support staff. The following year, I applied for support staff for the Region II conference (although I had already graduated, I was accepted because I had worked the previous year). I will admit that part of the reason I applied for the national and regional conferences' support staff was financial- however the national conference was also fun and I wanted to duplicate that experience. As a student and novice interpreter, I felt that so many people had already given me so much and I wanted a way to give back. I truly believe in the concept of "pay it forward" and you do not have to wait until you have ten years of experience and certification. I still do not feel that I have the skill or experience required to mentor someone, however I can still give back to the profession in other ways.
Due to my previous conference experience, the PCRID conference chair approached me and asked me to be the Support Staff Coordinator for the 2010 conference. Once again, it has proven to be a tremendous learning experience and has expanded my horizons further- and the conference hasn't even happened yet! Working at conferences and now being part of the planning process has given me a deeper appreciation for all the people and work that are required to make these events happen- for my benefit!
Like most interpreters I know, I am wired to stay busy. Becoming District I Representative for VRID was another commitment that I added to my plate this year, however I am truly enjoying my new responsibilities and challenges. I am immensely looking forward to the events that are in the works for the next calendar year.
Contrary to many people I know, I am a Type B personality, although I have come to realize that being in this profession and geographic region has brought out some Type A characteristics and my inner over-achiever. I may have a long way to go in the field, but I have done a lot in the past few years. More importantly, I have met a lot of great people and learned from them along the way. Now, I need to continue "paying it forward..."
If you are an ITP/IPP student, I highly recommend applying for Support Staff for the RID National Conference. Also, keep your eyes and ears open for the Call for Support Staff for state and regional conferences.
Why do people go to conferences? And why would someone want to volunteer at a conference?
(Before I continue, I would like to state that in my defense I did start a blog posting two weeks ago, but it remains a work in progress. Stay tuned for my post on receptive interpreting.)
Besides the obvious answer that an interpreter is required to earn CEUs to maintain certification (and the Code of Professional Conduct requires us to engage in professional development).
Oh yeah, the cost of the conference, hotel, food, etc. is tax deductible.
Personally, I am a huge advocate of professional development and interpreters need to be life long learners, however conferences and workshops also provide a wonderful opportunity to expand one's network and engage in professional dialogue. Particularly as a freelance interpreter, networking has proven invaluable as many of the interpreters I meet at these events are my potential co-interpreter on assignments. By volunteering and attending national and regional conferences, my professional network is expanded even further. I truly enjoy keeping up with my interpreter friends on Facebook and seeing their names on the "Newly Certified" list in the VIEWS.
As I prepared to graduate from my ITP, I applied to join the support staff for the upcoming RID conference. It was a phenomenal experience and gave me a unique opportunity to learn and dive into the interpreting field. In hindsight, I wish I had been encouraged to become involved with RID sooner because I wasn't aware that such experiences were out there. Now, I encourage the ITP students I know to apply for conference support staff. The following year, I applied for support staff for the Region II conference (although I had already graduated, I was accepted because I had worked the previous year). I will admit that part of the reason I applied for the national and regional conferences' support staff was financial- however the national conference was also fun and I wanted to duplicate that experience. As a student and novice interpreter, I felt that so many people had already given me so much and I wanted a way to give back. I truly believe in the concept of "pay it forward" and you do not have to wait until you have ten years of experience and certification. I still do not feel that I have the skill or experience required to mentor someone, however I can still give back to the profession in other ways.
Due to my previous conference experience, the PCRID conference chair approached me and asked me to be the Support Staff Coordinator for the 2010 conference. Once again, it has proven to be a tremendous learning experience and has expanded my horizons further- and the conference hasn't even happened yet! Working at conferences and now being part of the planning process has given me a deeper appreciation for all the people and work that are required to make these events happen- for my benefit!
Like most interpreters I know, I am wired to stay busy. Becoming District I Representative for VRID was another commitment that I added to my plate this year, however I am truly enjoying my new responsibilities and challenges. I am immensely looking forward to the events that are in the works for the next calendar year.
Contrary to many people I know, I am a Type B personality, although I have come to realize that being in this profession and geographic region has brought out some Type A characteristics and my inner over-achiever. I may have a long way to go in the field, but I have done a lot in the past few years. More importantly, I have met a lot of great people and learned from them along the way. Now, I need to continue "paying it forward..."
If you are an ITP/IPP student, I highly recommend applying for Support Staff for the RID National Conference. Also, keep your eyes and ears open for the Call for Support Staff for state and regional conferences.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
You asked for it!
Several friends and colleagues have asked me for advice on taking the NIC written and Interview/ Performance exams. Since I was the facilitator for last night's VRID NIC Interview/ Ethics discussion group, the NIC test seems to be a fitting topic for today's post.
First, a caveat....I am not an expert on this subject (or probably any others for that matter). I have attended several NIC preparation workshops and have taken the test. I did pass, but I am planning on taking it again to achieve a high level (eventually). In case you are wondering, I want to test again to challenge myself, plus it's always good to be working towards a measurable goal.
Now you the advice, which I have learned for myself and gleaned from others.
NIC Written Exam:
I would highly recommend forming a study group as the NIC Test Outline and Reference list can be daunting. If you are still in an ITP/ IPP, I would highly recommend taking the NIC written exam while all the knowledge is still fresh in your mind. Plus, you have the advantage of a built-in study and support group. My ITP required the NIC written as a graduation requirement. Although at the time, it was frustrating, I am grateful that I was able to take the exam while I was still in school as well as study for the NIC written and my comprehensive exams at the same time.
Several people have also suggested Terp Savvy as a resource. Additionally, the College for Professional Studies at Gallaudet University offers a week-long test class during the summer. (A NIC Interview/ Performance class is offered the following week, which I took before my test). RID also sells the Sample Generalist Test as another potential resource.
At this point, my recollection of the NIC written exam is a bit fuzzy as I took the test four years ago, this month. I do recall struggling with the linguistics questions; still today, linguistics are not my strong suit. At the time I took the test, RID offered the paper version as well as computer-based test (CBT). If it is still an option, I would still recommend the computerized version as it provides your results instantaneously.
NIC Performance and Interview Exam
RID provides the following resources for the NIC Performance and Interview Exam:
NIC Performance Criteria
NIC Interview Domains and Rating Scales
NIC Interview and Performance References
NIC Interview and Performance Candidate Bulletin
The interview portion of the exam is where many interpreters, including those who are highly skilled and experienced, can get tripped up. The raters are looking for you to follow the domain and rating scale, "identifying the problem or conflict," "construction of a decision or solution," and "consequences of a decision or solution." I have been repeatedly told that my goal should be Rating IV. As you prepare for the interview portion, practice answers that meet the criteria for Rating IV. For example, in Domain #2, "Construction of a Decision or Solution," one of the primary differences between Rating III and Rating IV is the inclusion of "(1) reasoning as influenced by past and present practices and (2) resources." Resources can include VIEWS articles, interpreting research, as well as federal laws.
Here are a few quick tips:
1) Clearly identify the conflict and how it relates to the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC). You don't necessarily have to cite the CPC verbatim, but identify the tenet (i.e. confidentiality, professionalism) and paraphrase the illustrative behavior. For example, "Professionalism because the interpreter was dressed inappropriately."
2) Be sure to include at least three perspectives as part of your answer for domain 2. Generally, you can expect a hearing, Deaf, and interpreter situation. Keep in mind that in a given scenario there may be only two participants present, but there can be a third perspective. A classic example would be an interpreter chatting with a Deaf client in the waiting room of the therapist's office; while the hearing therapist is physically present, he/she would have a perspective on the situation.
3) For domain 3, consider the short- and long-term implications for the participants as well as the hearing, Deaf, and interpreter communities as a whole. I have been told that short-term implications usually refer to the immediate impact to the participants, while the long-term implications are more focused on how the hearing, Deaf, and interpreting communities can be impacted in the long-run. This where I fell short when I took the exam,
4) Although it seems obvious, make sure you identify the problem and pick a solution. If you have sufficient time, you can list several possible solutions & their implications, but make sure you select a solution and explain your rationale.
5) After the signer completes the scenario, the scenario will appear in text form for thirty seconds. You can use this time to begin contemplating your answer. You have five minutes to provide your answer- you don't have to sign the entire five minutes, but take advantage of the time that you have. Think about your answer before you begin to respond.
Make sure your answer is clear for the raters. By following the order of the rubric, it can make it easier for the raters to follow. Also, consider your use of language. Although you have the option of using ASL, Signed English, or Sim-Com, I would encourage using ASL and its features. By utilizing your space, you can save time and rhetorical questions can be used to flag the different parts of you answer (PROBLEM WHAT? SOLUTION WHAT?). When I took the NIC, I set-up my hearing consumer, Deaf consumer, and interpreter in the same location for each scenario. Presumably, by following the same formant, I made it easier for the rater, but I also made it easier for me as I knew I had to touch each area to provide a perspective of each scenario. The raters want to see you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the CPC and ethical behavior.
I used the following memory device to format my answers and ensure that I followed the the domain
P- Problem
E-Ethics
P-Perspective
S-Solution(s)
I-Implications
(Source: Karin Huff)
Other mnemonic devices that I have heard include COBRA and DECIDE:
C-Contemplate the scenario
O- Organize your ideas
B- Breathe
R- Respond
A- Answer (the question being asked)
(Source: David N. Evans)
D-Dilemma
E-Ethical tenet
C-Construction of perspectives
I-Identify solutions
D-Decision (which is best solution?)
E- Evaluate implications
(Source: Lynne Wiesman)
Personally, I found PEPSI to be the easiest mnemonic device to remember and utilize. Spend time practicing and figure out what works best for you. Discuss ethical scenarios with other interpreters and learn from their perspectives and experiences.
Final words of advice
A couple of days before my exam, I learned that the test has the option of taking either the Performance or Interview portion first. After an informal survey on my Facebook status, nearly everyone recommended taking the Interview portion first. First, the interview portion requires more on-the-spot thinking, whereas the performance portion is a representation of your skills. You will want your brain cells to be fresh. Secondly, the interview portion is signed, but your signing skills are not being evaluated. You can take advantage of this opportunity to warm-up your hands before beginning the performance portion. Do what will be best for you, but make this decision before you arrive for the test.
Although the NIC Practice DVD may seem a tad pricy, I highly recommend viewing the DVD prior to taking the test. The NIC Practice DVD follows a similar format to the exam and gives you a good idea of what the test will look like.
Make sure you request paper and a writing instrument from the LTA (Local Test Administrator). You can use paper/ writing instrument during the interview and performance portion on the exam, but it must be returned after the test. Also make sure that all the equipment is working and you know how to use the remote.
Sometimes you have to go for it, even if you don't feel ready. Whether you pass or fail, look at taking the exam as a learning experience. Whatever you learn will only help you the next time around.
11/23/2010 Update: NIC Written resources on Study Stack (Thanks Camille for sharing!)
6/23/2011 Update: I found David N. Evans's workbook, "It's the How, Not the What: Preparing for the NIC Interview" that is available online as a PDF document. I wasn't able to get the link to work, but try searching Google.
First, a caveat....I am not an expert on this subject (or probably any others for that matter). I have attended several NIC preparation workshops and have taken the test. I did pass, but I am planning on taking it again to achieve a high level (eventually). In case you are wondering, I want to test again to challenge myself, plus it's always good to be working towards a measurable goal.
Now you the advice, which I have learned for myself and gleaned from others.
NIC Written Exam:
I would highly recommend forming a study group as the NIC Test Outline and Reference list can be daunting. If you are still in an ITP/ IPP, I would highly recommend taking the NIC written exam while all the knowledge is still fresh in your mind. Plus, you have the advantage of a built-in study and support group. My ITP required the NIC written as a graduation requirement. Although at the time, it was frustrating, I am grateful that I was able to take the exam while I was still in school as well as study for the NIC written and my comprehensive exams at the same time.
Several people have also suggested Terp Savvy as a resource. Additionally, the College for Professional Studies at Gallaudet University offers a week-long test class during the summer. (A NIC Interview/ Performance class is offered the following week, which I took before my test). RID also sells the Sample Generalist Test as another potential resource.
At this point, my recollection of the NIC written exam is a bit fuzzy as I took the test four years ago, this month. I do recall struggling with the linguistics questions; still today, linguistics are not my strong suit. At the time I took the test, RID offered the paper version as well as computer-based test (CBT). If it is still an option, I would still recommend the computerized version as it provides your results instantaneously.
NIC Performance and Interview Exam
RID provides the following resources for the NIC Performance and Interview Exam:
NIC Performance Criteria
NIC Interview Domains and Rating Scales
NIC Interview and Performance References
NIC Interview and Performance Candidate Bulletin
The interview portion of the exam is where many interpreters, including those who are highly skilled and experienced, can get tripped up. The raters are looking for you to follow the domain and rating scale, "identifying the problem or conflict," "construction of a decision or solution," and "consequences of a decision or solution." I have been repeatedly told that my goal should be Rating IV. As you prepare for the interview portion, practice answers that meet the criteria for Rating IV. For example, in Domain #2, "Construction of a Decision or Solution," one of the primary differences between Rating III and Rating IV is the inclusion of "(1) reasoning as influenced by past and present practices and (2) resources." Resources can include VIEWS articles, interpreting research, as well as federal laws.
Here are a few quick tips:
1) Clearly identify the conflict and how it relates to the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC). You don't necessarily have to cite the CPC verbatim, but identify the tenet (i.e. confidentiality, professionalism) and paraphrase the illustrative behavior. For example, "Professionalism because the interpreter was dressed inappropriately."
2) Be sure to include at least three perspectives as part of your answer for domain 2. Generally, you can expect a hearing, Deaf, and interpreter situation. Keep in mind that in a given scenario there may be only two participants present, but there can be a third perspective. A classic example would be an interpreter chatting with a Deaf client in the waiting room of the therapist's office; while the hearing therapist is physically present, he/she would have a perspective on the situation.
3) For domain 3, consider the short- and long-term implications for the participants as well as the hearing, Deaf, and interpreter communities as a whole. I have been told that short-term implications usually refer to the immediate impact to the participants, while the long-term implications are more focused on how the hearing, Deaf, and interpreting communities can be impacted in the long-run. This where I fell short when I took the exam,
4) Although it seems obvious, make sure you identify the problem and pick a solution. If you have sufficient time, you can list several possible solutions & their implications, but make sure you select a solution and explain your rationale.
5) After the signer completes the scenario, the scenario will appear in text form for thirty seconds. You can use this time to begin contemplating your answer. You have five minutes to provide your answer- you don't have to sign the entire five minutes, but take advantage of the time that you have. Think about your answer before you begin to respond.
Make sure your answer is clear for the raters. By following the order of the rubric, it can make it easier for the raters to follow. Also, consider your use of language. Although you have the option of using ASL, Signed English, or Sim-Com, I would encourage using ASL and its features. By utilizing your space, you can save time and rhetorical questions can be used to flag the different parts of you answer (PROBLEM WHAT? SOLUTION WHAT?). When I took the NIC, I set-up my hearing consumer, Deaf consumer, and interpreter in the same location for each scenario. Presumably, by following the same formant, I made it easier for the rater, but I also made it easier for me as I knew I had to touch each area to provide a perspective of each scenario. The raters want to see you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the CPC and ethical behavior.
I used the following memory device to format my answers and ensure that I followed the the domain
P- Problem
E-Ethics
P-Perspective
S-Solution(s)
I-Implications
(Source: Karin Huff)
Other mnemonic devices that I have heard include COBRA and DECIDE:
C-Contemplate the scenario
O- Organize your ideas
B- Breathe
R- Respond
A- Answer (the question being asked)
(Source: David N. Evans)
D-Dilemma
E-Ethical tenet
C-Construction of perspectives
I-Identify solutions
D-Decision (which is best solution?)
E- Evaluate implications
(Source: Lynne Wiesman)
Personally, I found PEPSI to be the easiest mnemonic device to remember and utilize. Spend time practicing and figure out what works best for you. Discuss ethical scenarios with other interpreters and learn from their perspectives and experiences.
Final words of advice
A couple of days before my exam, I learned that the test has the option of taking either the Performance or Interview portion first. After an informal survey on my Facebook status, nearly everyone recommended taking the Interview portion first. First, the interview portion requires more on-the-spot thinking, whereas the performance portion is a representation of your skills. You will want your brain cells to be fresh. Secondly, the interview portion is signed, but your signing skills are not being evaluated. You can take advantage of this opportunity to warm-up your hands before beginning the performance portion. Do what will be best for you, but make this decision before you arrive for the test.
Although the NIC Practice DVD may seem a tad pricy, I highly recommend viewing the DVD prior to taking the test. The NIC Practice DVD follows a similar format to the exam and gives you a good idea of what the test will look like.
Make sure you request paper and a writing instrument from the LTA (Local Test Administrator). You can use paper/ writing instrument during the interview and performance portion on the exam, but it must be returned after the test. Also make sure that all the equipment is working and you know how to use the remote.
Sometimes you have to go for it, even if you don't feel ready. Whether you pass or fail, look at taking the exam as a learning experience. Whatever you learn will only help you the next time around.
11/23/2010 Update: NIC Written resources on Study Stack (Thanks Camille for sharing!)
6/23/2011 Update: I found David N. Evans's workbook, "It's the How, Not the What: Preparing for the NIC Interview" that is available online as a PDF document. I wasn't able to get the link to work, but try searching Google.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
"Life is what happens when you're busy making plans"
I wish that I had a better excuse for falling behind on my blog (again). What can I say...life has been a roller coaster this past month. After much anticipation, this month was over in a flash. There have been highs and lows, plus more loops that I could have imagined. I have been challenged personally and professionally, and in retrospect, I can only say that this last month has made me stronger and braver.
I still uncertain about the future and unsure what the next curve will bring. No decisions have been made about whether I will return to complete my degree. I am working as a freelance interpreter and loving it (except for the commuting), but applied for a staff position with an agency in an attempt to move forward. I am still in the application process and owe them a sample of my work and paper application. However, I am wavering, constantly evaluating the pros and cons of staff positions versus staying freelance. This past week, I had a screening with a different agency for freelance work- *fingers crossed,* I should hear back next week. I feel continually behind, trying to move forward with my career while balancing my personal life with my PCRID and VRID commitments. I set a goal of re-taking the NIC in order to obtain NIC Advance certification, but do not have a time frame. My dear friend and colleague has offered to mentor me and help me further develop and hone my interpreting skills. Honestly, after all my set-backs early this month, I lost momentum. Now, I need get motivated again and move forward, reaching towards new goals.
On a personal note, two weeks ago, my husband and I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to put our beagle, Mary, to sleep. In August, we learned that she had liver cancer and we advised against surgery. We thought we had all this time left with her, yet Mary rapidly declined and we had to make a decision that we weren't ready for. Fortunately, I was able to re-schedule my screening (to this past week) and have subs for my classes that I interpret on Thursday and Friday. Although I missed and work and it caused delays in the application and screening process, I have no regrets. I am thankfully for the flexibility of the agency and the community college. I am especially thankful for the interpreters who filled in for me and my team interpreters (who demonstrated compassion and understanding when I needed it the most. Not only was I able to take care of yourself and family, but to realize that by doing so, the consumers benefited as well. Emotional and mental presence is as important as physical presence and I knew I could not interpret with my mind elsewhere.
From the bottom of my heart, I do want to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for being there for me when I needed it most. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me and keeps me moving forward. I may need a new game plan, but in the meantime life is good and I am pressing on, one step at a time.
I still uncertain about the future and unsure what the next curve will bring. No decisions have been made about whether I will return to complete my degree. I am working as a freelance interpreter and loving it (except for the commuting), but applied for a staff position with an agency in an attempt to move forward. I am still in the application process and owe them a sample of my work and paper application. However, I am wavering, constantly evaluating the pros and cons of staff positions versus staying freelance. This past week, I had a screening with a different agency for freelance work- *fingers crossed,* I should hear back next week. I feel continually behind, trying to move forward with my career while balancing my personal life with my PCRID and VRID commitments. I set a goal of re-taking the NIC in order to obtain NIC Advance certification, but do not have a time frame. My dear friend and colleague has offered to mentor me and help me further develop and hone my interpreting skills. Honestly, after all my set-backs early this month, I lost momentum. Now, I need get motivated again and move forward, reaching towards new goals.
On a personal note, two weeks ago, my husband and I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to put our beagle, Mary, to sleep. In August, we learned that she had liver cancer and we advised against surgery. We thought we had all this time left with her, yet Mary rapidly declined and we had to make a decision that we weren't ready for. Fortunately, I was able to re-schedule my screening (to this past week) and have subs for my classes that I interpret on Thursday and Friday. Although I missed and work and it caused delays in the application and screening process, I have no regrets. I am thankfully for the flexibility of the agency and the community college. I am especially thankful for the interpreters who filled in for me and my team interpreters (who demonstrated compassion and understanding when I needed it the most. Not only was I able to take care of yourself and family, but to realize that by doing so, the consumers benefited as well. Emotional and mental presence is as important as physical presence and I knew I could not interpret with my mind elsewhere.
From the bottom of my heart, I do want to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for being there for me when I needed it most. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me and keeps me moving forward. I may need a new game plan, but in the meantime life is good and I am pressing on, one step at a time.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sometimes it really is okay to say no...
I say no all the time- just not as often as I should. Interpreters have a tendency to say yes. We want the work. We want to be flexible. We want to satisfy the consumers' expectations. Sometimes in the midst of it all, we forget to take care of yourselves. Constantly operating in Energizer bunny mode can and will lead to burn out. It's one thing to know the limitations of one's interpreting skills; know the limitations of one's mind and body is a different story.
For me, it's easy to say no to an assignment if I do not feel qualified or if it's not my forte (i.e. medical and legal). Often I say yes too often, momentarily forgetting about my physical and mental limitations. We're often told that the interpreting profession is feast or famine, so we work as much as we can when we can. We must all live a balanced life in order to work more effectively. For me, I try to put my family first, even though I occasionally sacrifice time with my husband to work evenings. Last week, I turned down a job when I was qualified and available and I was proud of myself. I listened to my physical limitations.
I am at a major transitioning moment in my life. Now, I need to get motivated to take care of myself after sacrificing so much of my physical and mental well-being for far too long. On my to list?
1) Eat healthier- more fruits and veggies, less take-out and delievery
2) Get back into shape. I need to exercise more, do pilates for toning and relaxation, and lose the 10(ish) pounds that I gained this past year.
3) Give myself permission to have down time and relax. A vacation would be nice too.
And the irony of all of this? As I was contemplating the importance of self-care, I tweaked my neck on Sunday morning, aggravating a prior injury. Fortunately, for me, Monday was a Federal holiday and my other assignments this week have ended early or canceled with pay. For the moment, as I sit here with my ice pack, I am giving myself permission to relax and enjoy the time off. After all, it's Thursday afternoon and I was supposed to be working.
For me, it's easy to say no to an assignment if I do not feel qualified or if it's not my forte (i.e. medical and legal). Often I say yes too often, momentarily forgetting about my physical and mental limitations. We're often told that the interpreting profession is feast or famine, so we work as much as we can when we can. We must all live a balanced life in order to work more effectively. For me, I try to put my family first, even though I occasionally sacrifice time with my husband to work evenings. Last week, I turned down a job when I was qualified and available and I was proud of myself. I listened to my physical limitations.
I am at a major transitioning moment in my life. Now, I need to get motivated to take care of myself after sacrificing so much of my physical and mental well-being for far too long. On my to list?
1) Eat healthier- more fruits and veggies, less take-out and delievery
2) Get back into shape. I need to exercise more, do pilates for toning and relaxation, and lose the 10(ish) pounds that I gained this past year.
3) Give myself permission to have down time and relax. A vacation would be nice too.
And the irony of all of this? As I was contemplating the importance of self-care, I tweaked my neck on Sunday morning, aggravating a prior injury. Fortunately, for me, Monday was a Federal holiday and my other assignments this week have ended early or canceled with pay. For the moment, as I sit here with my ice pack, I am giving myself permission to relax and enjoy the time off. After all, it's Thursday afternoon and I was supposed to be working.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
So what now?
I just started this blog and already I am inexcusably behind. Sometimes life happens and you just have to go with it. Due to a series of events (personal and professional), I will be taking a leave of absence from Gallaudet for this upcoming school year. This feels like an enormous set back, yet I am feeling surprisingly calm about this recent development. Instantly, I felt a weight being lifted. There was too much on my plate and too much stress in my life. Now, I have the opportunity to step back and re-evaluate my personal and professional goals. But, in my heart, I firmly believe that everything happens for reason, even if I don't know the reason- yet.
The last few weeks have been eye opening for me. I was reminded of several life lessons and was prepared to write about them, however, I realize that it is one thing to pass on lessons learned and it is another thing to truly live them. Like the old adage says "it's easier to say than do." Sometimes, we learn the lesson the first time around, but often times we need to be reminded; then reminded again.
Life Lessons I need to be reminded of (and will be discussing in the coming weeks):
1) Own your work.
2) Take care of yourself- physically, emotionally, and mentally.
3) Remember the big picture.
4) Never stop learning.
Most importantly, through all of this, I am reminded how bless I am to be surrounded by wonderful family, friends, and colleagues. I have an amazing, loving husband; a supportive family; and great friends. Surround yourself with encouraging, supportive people, instead of negativity. Have people in your life who will meet up at nine o'clock that night because you need to talk or send you a text message wishing you a "Happy Tuesday." Those are the people you want as your friend and colleague.
Today's lesson? Surround yourself with people who build you up- not knock you down.
And having a beagle to snuggle up with doesn't hurt either...
The last few weeks have been eye opening for me. I was reminded of several life lessons and was prepared to write about them, however, I realize that it is one thing to pass on lessons learned and it is another thing to truly live them. Like the old adage says "it's easier to say than do." Sometimes, we learn the lesson the first time around, but often times we need to be reminded; then reminded again.
Life Lessons I need to be reminded of (and will be discussing in the coming weeks):
1) Own your work.
2) Take care of yourself- physically, emotionally, and mentally.
3) Remember the big picture.
4) Never stop learning.
Most importantly, through all of this, I am reminded how bless I am to be surrounded by wonderful family, friends, and colleagues. I have an amazing, loving husband; a supportive family; and great friends. Surround yourself with encouraging, supportive people, instead of negativity. Have people in your life who will meet up at nine o'clock that night because you need to talk or send you a text message wishing you a "Happy Tuesday." Those are the people you want as your friend and colleague.
Today's lesson? Surround yourself with people who build you up- not knock you down.
And having a beagle to snuggle up with doesn't hurt either...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Don't let the horror stories scare you
We've all heard the stories. A community interpreter faints at a doctors appointment. A VRS interpreter has a 911 call on her first day, or worse, her first call. An educational interpreter walks into the high school and is assigned to Latin VI. Okay, so the last one I made up, but the first two really happened, just not to me. A friend of a colleague had to interpret a 911 call on her first day (or maybe it was a friend of a friend). Another colleague almost fainted while interpreting a doctor's appointment. Interpreters are almost infamous for their stories from the trenches, but I'll let you in on a little secret...
At least 98% of the time, all these scary things that we hear about during our interpreting classes and internships, don't happen! But why do these urban legends persist in our profession? I suspect that many of the storytellers had good intentions- "Let me tell you what happened to me a while ago, but will probably never happen to you so you'll feel better about interpreting." And in all honesty, I am probably guilty too. I heard stories and was scared by them. Once I had a story or two, I proceeded to share my experiences as well. The thing is that all interpreters have a story or two, but these stories are not daily occurrences. In the course of my work, I am constantly going to new places, meeting new people, and learning new things. Most of my work blurs together and fade into distant memories. As a result, a handful assignments stand-out. Some of them are memorable- in a good way, such as a particularly engaging presenter or a fabulous team. On one hand, I can count the experiences that stand-out in a not-so-good way. When I have a bad day, instead of dwelling on the negative, I try to remember all of the good days and why I love my job.
There will be bad days, difficult consumers, annoying teams, and 'CHA' vocabulary that you don't know. But guess what? The good experiences exponentially outnumber the bad ones. Keep your chin up and don't let the horror stories scare you.
At least 98% of the time, all these scary things that we hear about during our interpreting classes and internships, don't happen! But why do these urban legends persist in our profession? I suspect that many of the storytellers had good intentions- "Let me tell you what happened to me a while ago, but will probably never happen to you so you'll feel better about interpreting." And in all honesty, I am probably guilty too. I heard stories and was scared by them. Once I had a story or two, I proceeded to share my experiences as well. The thing is that all interpreters have a story or two, but these stories are not daily occurrences. In the course of my work, I am constantly going to new places, meeting new people, and learning new things. Most of my work blurs together and fade into distant memories. As a result, a handful assignments stand-out. Some of them are memorable- in a good way, such as a particularly engaging presenter or a fabulous team. On one hand, I can count the experiences that stand-out in a not-so-good way. When I have a bad day, instead of dwelling on the negative, I try to remember all of the good days and why I love my job.
There will be bad days, difficult consumers, annoying teams, and 'CHA' vocabulary that you don't know. But guess what? The good experiences exponentially outnumber the bad ones. Keep your chin up and don't let the horror stories scare you.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Who? What? Why?
If you know me, you might be wondering why I am writing a blog. If you don't know me, you are probably wondering what qualifies me to write a blog. Yes, I am forever running in Energizer bunny mode, balancing work, school, family, professional commitments, and my social life. But, if you know me well, you know that I love projects. This blog is my newest project. Recently, through several discussions with current and future interpreters, I realized that there is so much that I wish I knew before I started interpreting. Scratch that. There is so much that I wish I knew before starting my ITP. Either way, I have learned a lot in the past few years.
I graduated in 2007 with a dual degree in Interpreting and ASL/ Deaf Studies. After working as an educational interpreter for a couple of years, I decided to pursue my MA in Interpretation at Gallaudet University. I had a great job and fantastic co-workers, but there was so much more that I wanted to learn. So, I took the leap and applied for the MAI program at Gallaudet. A few months later, I took a bigger leap and dove into the freelance interpreting world in Washington, D.C. For me, leaving was what was familiar and comfortable seemed like a huge risk. Attending Gallaudet University and working as a community interpreter terrified me! Despite my occasional moments of doubt, this was one of the best things that I have done for me. Through it all, I have learned and grown exponentially.
Within the past year, I completed my first year of graduate school and I accomplished my goal of passing the National Interpreter Certification exam. I am also the Support Staff Coordinator for the upcoming PCRID conference as well as recently-elected District I representative for VRID. I thrive by staying busy. Some days, I cannot believe how far I have come; other days, I remember how far I have to go. I am a strong believer in life-long learning and professional development. Everyday there are new challenges and lessons to be learned. We must all learn for ourselves and learn from others. I am blessed to have been continually surrounded by fabulous interpreters who have inspired me and helped me on my journey. This blog is what I have learned from others and experienced first hand in the sign language interpreting field.
I graduated in 2007 with a dual degree in Interpreting and ASL/ Deaf Studies. After working as an educational interpreter for a couple of years, I decided to pursue my MA in Interpretation at Gallaudet University. I had a great job and fantastic co-workers, but there was so much more that I wanted to learn. So, I took the leap and applied for the MAI program at Gallaudet. A few months later, I took a bigger leap and dove into the freelance interpreting world in Washington, D.C. For me, leaving was what was familiar and comfortable seemed like a huge risk. Attending Gallaudet University and working as a community interpreter terrified me! Despite my occasional moments of doubt, this was one of the best things that I have done for me. Through it all, I have learned and grown exponentially.
Within the past year, I completed my first year of graduate school and I accomplished my goal of passing the National Interpreter Certification exam. I am also the Support Staff Coordinator for the upcoming PCRID conference as well as recently-elected District I representative for VRID. I thrive by staying busy. Some days, I cannot believe how far I have come; other days, I remember how far I have to go. I am a strong believer in life-long learning and professional development. Everyday there are new challenges and lessons to be learned. We must all learn for ourselves and learn from others. I am blessed to have been continually surrounded by fabulous interpreters who have inspired me and helped me on my journey. This blog is what I have learned from others and experienced first hand in the sign language interpreting field.
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