Before arriving at SLCC, I worked at the Jean Massieu School for the Deaf. Before that, I worked at the Maryland School for the Deaf upon completion of my Bachelor's of Science degree in Deaf Studies. Throughout my degree, and the years since, my role within the Deaf community has been one of an outsider; someone who knew sign and was a strong advocate, but a hearing person just the same. Now that I am in the Interpreting Training Program at SLCC, I view the Deaf community in a slightly different light. When entering situations within the Deaf community, I am now more focused on the interpreters; where they are standing, their sign/English word choice, et cetera. I also feel a lot more confident with these interactions, and voicing any questions I may have.  

My experience with civic learning relates to classroom learning through showing versus doing. I have learned a lot about ASL and the Deaf community, but going into the community, connecting with real people, that’s what civic learning has taught me. My classes have taught me about the differing interpreting styles, and all the instantaneous choices that interpreters must make, which I am now able to notice when observing those who are certified.  

My involvement in the Deaf community has shifted since starting SLCC by becoming more intentional. Through the various modules and classes I have taken, I have become more aware of what it means to be engaged with a community, rather than just a bystander. The Deaf community is rooted in connection and understanding; there is less of a focus on audiological levels, but a strong focus on communication and the everyday challenges faced. In the courses I have taken so far at SLCC, I have learned about what it means to directly serve a community, and the avenues in which to do so, because there is no one right way to serve. I have also learned about taking a step back and showing up in whatever ways I am needed. In class we have learned how to be cultural mediators, which supports the overall goal of an interpreter: to facilitate communication.

The most challenging civic engagement concept to me was Social Entrepreneurship, because it seems like such an uphill battle. The importance of Social Entrepreneurship cannot be ignored, but I don't think it is the avenue that most suits my own interests. At the end of the day, there will always be people you are unable to reach, and that can be draining.
The concept I related to the most was Direct Service, because it is the one I enjoy the most. Hopefully, my future work as an interpreter will be serving the Deaf community directly, and therefor manifesting itself in my life post-SLCC. While working, I hope to always keep Direct Service in mind with every decision I make, and remembering who I am working for and why.