Goals & Mission Statement

Mission Statement

As an interpreter, I focus on empathy, making an effort to understand and connect with each person I work with. I listen carefully and adjust my approach to respect the feelings behind every message, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. I believe honesty and accountability are crucial in my role, and I follow the Code of Professional Conduct to build trust with everyone involved.

Confidentiality is a key part of my work. I understand that keeping information private helps protect the people I serve and supports the integrity of the interpreting profession. By ensuring that all communications are confidential, I create a safe space where clients can express themselves freely, knowing their words will be respected.

I also look for ways to grow professionally, whether through workshops or engaging with the Deaf community to better understand their culture and language. Staying updated on current events helps me improve my interpreting skills and connect better with clients. I see learning as a lifelong journey, and every new insight makes me a more effective and adaptable interpreter.

Respecting clients and fellow interpreters is fundamental to my role as an interpreter. I approach every interaction with an open mind and a desire to understand each person’s perspective. I also have great respect for my fellow interpreters, knowing that we work best when we collaborate. By sharing what we know and helping each other, we can better serve our clients.

I strive to use my privilege to amplify Deaf voices, ensuring they are heard in conversations that impact their lives. By being open to feedback and willing to challenge my own biases, I continually grow in my role as a member of the community. This journey enriches my understanding and strengthens the bonds between myself and the Deaf community, ultimately allowing me to contribute positively and effectively.

Code of Professional Conduct

Smart Professional Development Goals

Short-Term Goal ASL-English

"Improve Real-Time Processing and Accuracy (ASL → English)"

Specific:
I will strengthen my ability to quickly comprehend ASL messages and produce clear, accurate English interpretations during live interpreting situations in my internship.
Measurable:
I will interpret 2–3 ASL source interactions per week during my internship and receive direct feedback from my mentor on accuracy, cohesion, processing time, and register.
Attainable:
This goal is attainable because I will have regular access to my mentor during internship hours, and they can provide ongoing guidance, targeted suggestions, and modeling to support my improvement.
Relevant:
Improving real-time processing and English output is essential for becoming an effective ASL → English interpreter and aligns with the skills required for success in my internship and eventual professional work.
Time-Bound:
I will follow this routine weekly for the first 8 weeks of my internship and reassess my progress with my mentor at the end of that period.

Short-Term Goal English to ASL
“SMART Goal: Strengthen Register Control in English ↔ ASL Interpreting”

Specific:
I will improve my ability to recognize, match, and maintain appropriate register (frozen, formal, consultative, casual, intimate) in both English and ASL during interpreted interactions in my internship.
Measurable:
Each week, I will identify at least one interpreted assignment where I intentionally focus on register matching. Afterward, I will review the assignment with my mentor to receive specific feedback on register accuracy, tone, sign choice, and level of formality.
Attainable:
This is attainable because my internship provides exposure to a variety of communication contexts, and my mentor can support me with feedback, examples, and strategies for adjusting register effectively.
Relevant:
Strong register control is essential for producing linguistically appropriate interpretations and is a core competency for professional interpreters across all settings.
Time-Bound:
I will practice and receive feedback on register control weekly for 6 weeks during my internship, then evaluate my progress with my mentor at the end of that period.

5-Year Bucket List of Goals

2026

I want start working as an interpreter having passed the Novice Exam in 2025.
I will see a mentor at least once a month for feedback and tips on how to improve.
I will work in as many different settings as I am able to that fit my skill level.

2027

I will continue working as an interpreter and improve my skills by interpreting in at least 4 different settings.
I will begin working in the VRS setting and slowly work my way to a full-time position.

2028

I will continue working with a mentor at least once a month in preparation for taking the Professional Exam.
I will get my Professional Certification.

2029

Using what I learn while VRS interpreting, I will prepare to take the NIC Exam to become Nationally Certified.
I will take and pass the NIC Exam.

2030

I will interpret for many different settings, including cruises and conferences, as well as VRS at least part-time.

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