(no subject)
So I just realized that I've been a Nationally Certified Interpreter for FIVE YEARS!
I guess I can't really go around saying, 'I'm new.' anymore.
I feel like I need to start considering my real path in the field now. I could just continue on and be one of the crowd, but maybe I should do more. I've considered being involved in Interpreter Education. I feel like I have a good grasp on the interpreting process and 'how' to interpret and I'm a decent teacher. I also feel like I have a good understanding of ethics and can help people look at 'why' something is ethical or unethical vs 'it's a gut feeling' or 'it depends' (which is what we are typically told during a training program).
I also feel like maybe I should revisit the agency idea. I know I would be good at it. I feel like I have a clear picture of how things work and how to match interpreters to jobs and clients and what types of things need to be advocated for. I'm just nervous since there is so much talk about how there are too many agencies in AZ already and licensing for agencies so not just anyone can hang a shingle, blah blah. I know I could be better than most, but can I wade through the politics of it is a question.
I also can step back from interpreting all together and become a therapist. I've always been interested in that and I have a skill that gives me a specific niche in the 'market'. There a few possibilities for someone who's first language is ASL to be able to receive therapy services without having an Interpreter there, who is a third person in your counseling session that you have to build trust with (which is hard when it's a different terp every session), plus your therapist is getting your message through a third person who could be adding in their own biases/personality.
These are just 3 possibilities. I need to figure it out and get started on a path. I would eventually like to get a PhD. So figuring this out soon so I can decide what path to take educationally is important.
I guess I can't really go around saying, 'I'm new.' anymore.
I feel like I need to start considering my real path in the field now. I could just continue on and be one of the crowd, but maybe I should do more. I've considered being involved in Interpreter Education. I feel like I have a good grasp on the interpreting process and 'how' to interpret and I'm a decent teacher. I also feel like I have a good understanding of ethics and can help people look at 'why' something is ethical or unethical vs 'it's a gut feeling' or 'it depends' (which is what we are typically told during a training program).
I also feel like maybe I should revisit the agency idea. I know I would be good at it. I feel like I have a clear picture of how things work and how to match interpreters to jobs and clients and what types of things need to be advocated for. I'm just nervous since there is so much talk about how there are too many agencies in AZ already and licensing for agencies so not just anyone can hang a shingle, blah blah. I know I could be better than most, but can I wade through the politics of it is a question.
I also can step back from interpreting all together and become a therapist. I've always been interested in that and I have a skill that gives me a specific niche in the 'market'. There a few possibilities for someone who's first language is ASL to be able to receive therapy services without having an Interpreter there, who is a third person in your counseling session that you have to build trust with (which is hard when it's a different terp every session), plus your therapist is getting your message through a third person who could be adding in their own biases/personality.
These are just 3 possibilities. I need to figure it out and get started on a path. I would eventually like to get a PhD. So figuring this out soon so I can decide what path to take educationally is important.