First mentoring assignment

I had my first mentoring assignment for interpreting, though I can't give much detail about the context of the assignment. I'm following the CPC yo!

I have a Deaf friend who agreed to let me interpret some appointments. I interpreted two of this person's appointments already, and they went well. I was actually really filled with joy and love when I interpreted for this person, because I could tell the person was giving me full trust. I can't explain the feeling exactly, but it's really great. Most of the time I feel like I suck so much and I'm nervous and worried they think little of my skill. Uh, the world of interpreting.

During the first appointment I noticed special vocabulary... I felt like "say what now? I don't think I could even repeat that in English much less interpret it into ASL". I had to ask the professional how to spell some of the words and explain briefly what they mean. You can't just throw those kind of words out there, jeez. When I walked out of that appointment the professional (hearing consumer) told me I did very well and kept up with her, which is difficult because she knows she talks fast. Aw! How nice! This person has worked with a few Deaf people and has been around other terps. But, I can't let the compliment go to my head of course because I could've been signing pretty bad and she wouldn't really know other than some hints from the Deaf person's responses. Anyway, the Deaf person, we'll say D, made a new appointment and requested an interpreter. D gave the company a preference list and told the company that the interpreter needs to be a mentor so that I can get some hours completed for Practicum. D is such a sweet person to help me like this.

So, now let's talk about the mentoring. I arrived early and hoped to talk to the terp beforehand. However, D and the terp were a little late. I sat in the waiting room for about half an hour and chatted with a three year old girl. She was funny.

D and the terp walked into the waiting room at the same time and D introduced me. The terp didn't ask me questions and I assumed she knew I'm a Practicum student. Well, terp did the interpreting and I mostly waited anxiously for a chance to do some work. I didn't get to much, but I did jump in a little bit because I knew D was thinking something else that was related to a discussion during the first appointment. I felt awkward and didn't want terp to think I was rude or cocky, but I know D well and the mix-up was kind of important, at least in my mind. Which brings me to a sticky situation... I was feeling too much like D's friend... As we left the meeting and went to the lobby to check out, I told D my opinion as her friend, though it is ultimately her decision of course. If this appointment was someone else I wouldn't do that, but D is a wonderful person and I have trusted D with secrets of my own in the past. D never disappoints. I also felt like I hadn't even been the interpreter anyway... I felt strange I guess, like I didn't know my role.. I felt a little disappointed the terp didn't let me interpret, but maybe she didn't feel like mentoring? What do I know...

As D made her next appointment, terp realized I am a Practicum student and right away told me to take over. YES! I gladly did and felt fine of course because this part of the appointment was cake! Plus D is so nice, so I wasn't nervous.

We walked out and the three of us chatted. Terp and D were so welcoming :) Terp didn't realize who I am and I thought, "that's super awkward for me to stand next to you like that, and act like I want to do some interpreting..." I bet she didn't like me too much : /

Terp told me she sees students who are obviously not ready to interpret, but she feels from what she saw of me that I'm ready for some one-on-one mentoring and really get out there. Cheeeeeeese :DDD that as nice to hear.

Later in the afternoon I checked my email and terp already emailed me wanting to talk... I had a feeling I messed up... but I didn't know why. We ended up talking on the phone for 38mins, wow. I think she felt bothered by the situation and I also think she is a VERY nice person. I feel I've seen her before, but who knows where. Anyway, she said I should have contacted her first and told her about myself. Oops, I didn't know. She also counseled me on remaining neutral while interpreting... I had some hypothetical, situational questions that I asked her, which was great to have someone experienced to bounce ideas off of. I also know that I stepped into friend mode. Here's the thing, I know D very well and I know my opinion will be accepted as looking out for best interest. I also didn't say D should definitely do _____ (can't say what). I said I thought it might be a good idea. I should not say that during interpreting jobs.

During the first appointment I had no opinion to tell D because the options were kind of scary.. now my opinion is that these new options don't sound as bad. Anyway, terps can't have opinions, it's inappropro. I know what terp meant when she counseled me, and I felt bad about not remaining neutral. I also felt bad that terp didn't realize that I am a Practicum student. She said she should have expanded more during the appointment... that is why I jumped in and tried to make sure D knew these were new options, different that the first appointment. D is very savvy with English and I knew D would understand a specific word that is very important for the new options.

I told terp I arrived early and hoped to talk to her before the appointment, but then when she and D walked in late together, I assumed she knew. Plus the secretary was supposed to request a mentor, so I figured the terp's agency informed her. Also, D had given the company a list of names and I didn't know which terp would be available, so how would I contact? grr, I hate not knowing what I'm supposed to be doing. I hate feeling awkward. Silver lining: now I know, and terp offered to mentor me more :) YAY!! Thank goodness she is nice :) I really appreciate all the time she spent talking to me on the phone. I am REALLY looking forward to working more with her, and she even offered to talk to a colleague who also mentors. Yay hooray, I'm on my way!

Utah

I am not from Utah, but I have lived there. I don't think I could ever live there again, but I do like some things about it... I like being able to drive into the mountains and hike if I've had a bad day or if I just feel like being outdoors, and I like being able to do that without getting eaten by mosquitos or fearing my death due to rape or murder. Most of all though, I miss Matt. Since I've been talking to Matt again I've missed our adventures! We used to sit on a rock with no one else around and talk, about whatever. I wish I could have mountains and cool summer nights blended with beach, trees, and maybe some city... and Matt <3

Here are some pictures I took out there (thought I had more but I dunno)

Southern Utah

Northern Utah

Here is a picture I found online... This is more of what I imagine when I think of Utah: a grey, smoggy, lifeless, flat valley without much foliage, filled with an abundance of judgmental attitudes and closed-mindedness. I don't think I could ever live there again... not for long anyway.

Celebration

I like different cultures, and I like to celebrate, so naturally when Keri asked me to celebrate Black History month I said "of course!". We had various ideas for what to do and figured we'd wing it. I listened to some music by a few black artists and then Keri came and stayed the night. We watched a movie in DC where we threw spoons at the screen, which was awesome but had nothing to do with African American culture. Then we stayed up all night talking and were tired the next day... at least we made it to KFC?

<--- Keri and I with the Colonel

Okay, so maybe that was a bit of a bust... and I'm good on KFC for a while. At least March brought another celebration :)

<---I'm sure I was right

<--- Kiss the Irish!

This month I'll be celebrating Easter... actually, I've already been celebrating with Mini Eggs. Boy they're tasty, just ask this baby

Another celebration is coming up soon too! Oh boy!

Sara

Annie, Laynie and I saw Sara Bareilles and she was AWESOME!!! I really like her personality, and her voice is amazing! Wow, what talent!

My job

I work at a non-profit organization called Humanim. Why is it called "Humanim" you may ask... The title is also a vision: The human spirit of one; the compassion of many. We are an ever-growing company, provided we continue to receive funding... Love you government :)

<-- Our headquarters in Baltimore

Specifically, I work in the REDI program under the Deaf Services department. REDI: Rehabilitation Employment for Deaf Individuals. Basically, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) refers Deaf people who would like assistance in searching for jobs. Once we accept these people into the program, there are two main services we provide with DORS funding: Job Development and Job Coaching. Job Development entails us meeting our consumers in their communities and assisting them with resume writing, application submissions, establishing employer contacts, setting up interviews, attending interviews, etc. The consumer is responsible for 50% of the job search effort, and are expected to bring job leads to each meeting. Now, Job Coaching means that once the individual is placed into a job of choice, we assist the employer in ensuring that all job tasks are understood. After the consumer has reached 90 days of employment, he/she should understand what is expected from the employer and have the ability to perform all required job duties. If the individual is content, and the employer is satisfied, we close the case successfully. As you might realize, these are fully independent and able people, who should only need slight assistance.

I also work as a Relief Staff in the Residential Brain Injury department. For this, I go to the consumer's home andassist with every day living tasks. These consumers live in specific housing that must be staffed at all times (usually). I am medically certified for this position and responsible to administer meds at correct times and follow procedures according to each consumer's needs.

Here is the link to our website: http://www.humanim.com/home.htm?CFID=11653030&CFTOKEN=90116869

Here is the Deaf Services team last December

New

Hello!

Uhm... so I was thinking I might blog... I don't know if I really want to and I don't have many interesting things to share, but maybe this will inspire new adventures :)

The first few blogs on here were assignments from a 100 level class at TU. They're great, don't hate. I wish I remembered how to use html... but I don't. Wow, I am so interesting right now...