Joining the Civically Engaged Scholars has been both challenging and rewarding. Looking back on my pre-course reflection, it feels almost naive compared to now, with the knowledge and experience I've gained. And I'm only getting started! The most challenging concept for me was 'Social Entrepreneurship and Social Corporate Responsibility' module. I think that's because I was so unfamiliar with this concept that I wasn't even sure where to start. But I also learned the most from that one. It was nice to dive into one of our chosen corporations and see that they are trying to help the community they are benefitting from, as well as the environment. I think we should always generally aim to leave things better than we found it, it is a core value that sets us up to be good humans.
As for which concept I related to the most, I would have to say Direct Service. Because we are going into a service related field, I think this will be the most useful going forward. To see community need and to fill those gaps with no expectation of reciprocity. I think that is what we should carry with us as we gain interpreting experience. To remain humble and grateful and remember where we started and who helped us along the way. Interpreting is such a unique career in that it can provide you with a whole new community and family, rather than just a paycheck. I hope to manifest this through continuing to volunteer and participate in events, especially where ITP students are concerned. To set a good example and be involved! I would like to be someone the community can call on, wether it be those who have taught and mentored me, new students, or the Deaf community at large.