Community Engaged Learning

In the Philanthropy module, we discussed how often times we go about charity all wrong. In aiming for a hands-on approach with a good deed, we could end up taking away from what people actually need. I think this module has shifted my mindset on how to be helpful. It has certainly shifted my thoughts on how to properly support the Deaf community in ways that would be more successful. I think, as it stands, the Deaf community here in Salt Lake is very good at communicating where the need is. Whether it is volunteering to set up for events, making calls to businesses for donations, help hosting social gatherings, volunteer interpreters needed for church, or needing sign ups for certain classes or events happening. They show up for each other, and there is an expectation for us to show up as well. Rather than jumping in on my own and coming up with my own ideas of what I think they might find beneficial, I need to step back and realize that isn't my place and isn't where I'm needed. I am not Deaf, but I do want to support the Deaf community in any way I can. I think the best way to truly achieve philanthropic goals is to start by listening. 

The 'Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility' module was one of my favorites that we covered, and truly felt the most enlightening. As it pertains to my role in addressing social change for the Deaf community, I think there is a lot of opportunity. First and foremost, we are some of their advocates in the hearing world. I take every opportunity to educate the people around me on the Deaf community. Whether it's culture, history, things that are and are not appropriate in an interaction, etc. I think this is one small way we can foster social change. People love sharing things they learn, so imagine how widely our knowledge can spread. I think on a larger scale, it is our responsibility to advocate for interpreting needs and communication rights. Whether that be during an interpreting assignment, or showing up to hearings and signing petitions in support of what it is the Deaf community needs at that time. This goes beyond the "call of duty" and our own engagement in the community. This is a unique job in that we didn't just sign up to do the "work" at work, but also in our free time. 

I have had many meaningful experiences during my time in the program. But there are a few that have happened during service hours specifically. Both are fairly similar stories. My first night volunteering with SKIP at SLCC, I signed with the Deaf girl I was paired up with. Something simple like "I like your hair." This program had been going on for a while, and I was the first guide she had worked with who could sign. She lit up! A similar experience was when I was completing service hours with JMS and their PIP.  There were 4 of us in one room. 1 Deaf woman, 2 women who were just learning how to sign, and then myself. While this was earlier on in the program, I still had decent footing as far as my ASL went. Because the 2 women were just learning how to sign, they did their best, but still relied a lot on spoken english which meant the Deaf woman was not privy to every small conversation happening in the room. I tried to put extra effort into simultaneously signing and speaking, which is difficult. But also having more side conversations with her as well. These really impacted me, because while I was just excited to have someone to converse with and practice my ASL skills, it was a harsh realization that for many Deaf people, this is their every day experience. Not that I wasn't aware of that prior, but seeing it with your own eyes is a different experience entirely. It is a reminder of how important communication is. Which motivated me to not only continue giving my best in this program, and learn all I can to become a good interpreter, but also to encourage those around me to learn ASL. Even just the basics can provide communication access on a larger scale. The way Deaf people light up when a hearing person is able to sign with them in public, is something that will stick with me. If there is any impression I hope I have left on those I have worked with, I hope it is that I am eager and willing to learn. Despite my quiet and reserved nature, I care deeply about the people around me. I have the utmost respect for the Deaf community, and really hope I am able to do them justice as I further along my interpreting career. I am happy to be here!