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!
