Welcome To AlishaMSigns.com
Welcome to my website, this is my fun way of supporting the American Sign Language/English Interpreting and Transliterating Profession. A lot of the information you will find here is from my experience on the west coast and more specifically in Southern California. The website is a constant work in progress as everyday is a new experience and new lesson. The links and information provided on this website are for your benefit, I am not responsible for any information in the links provided.
My Story...
I am a graduate from California State University, Northridge (2007) with a degree in Deaf Studies/Interpreting and have officially began the journey as a professional interpreter/ transliterator. I am happily married with three dogs. Two of them are deaf Boston Terriers, all 3 dogs are trained in American Sign Language. My husband can communicate in ASL as well. We are San Diego, CA residents and plan on settling here for good. Currently I am an interpreter for the San Diego Community College District and the occasional agency request as well. I am also a self-employed freelance photographer somelikeitshotphotography.com
I originally began signing in 1999 in WA State when I was in a relationship with someone who had a Deaf sibling. This was my first exposure to the Deaf community and obviously it had a strong impact. I am a firm believer that if there is a Deaf family member everyone in the family should learn sign language. So, I began learning from the sibling and her friends who I would like to also call my friends. I felt and always will feel honored to be included in such a wonderful group of people. Eventually I decided I would take some ASL classes to learn more. At the time I had no idea what an interpreter was or that I would be interested in becoming one, my only desire was to communicate with my friends. While I was taking my basic ASL courses I was a dance major teaching dance classes at 3 different locations. Ironically word got out that there was a dance instructor who could sign and I had Deaf students enroll in 2 of the 3 programs. I became a better dance instructor because of that experience, I would need to be much more visual and that aided me in every way. Back then I had no idea about the ADA or I would have had an interpreter for those students, instead I tried signing and talking at the same time (SimCom) which was impossible. In the summer I traveled the west coast as a dance instructor for summer camps that taught high school dance teams. Again, I was in a situation where there was a Deaf student and no interpreter. I could not believe the coach didn't set one up before coming to camp but did my best to interpret for her, she took all of my classes that week that were her level. None of her teammates knew sign language so I was her main person for communication, which felt like a huge responsibility. When summer was over I went back home to WA state and talked some things over with my Deaf friends. I decided I wanted to be a dance instructor or coach for an all Deaf squad, that would be my goal in life and I had no idea where to begin. I researched the different schools and realized the closest Deaf school was hours away, plus I knew that my sign language skills needed to improve even more than where they were at.
One day a friend asked me to accompany her to a job interview, she asked if i would interpret incase she did not understand what was going on, but that she wanted to communicate with them as best as she could without help. Again, I was clueless about ADA and the laws regarding hiring an interpreter so I went along. I remember after the interview my friend turned to me and asked "Why don't you become and interpreter?" I thought about it for a few weeks before deciding to change my major and my life goals to become an interpreter. That was only the beginning of the journey!
I married my husband during my last semester of prerequisite ASL courses in order to enter the interpreting program at Seattle Central Community College. My ASL instructor was Nat Wilson, a Deaf actor at heart and amazing instructor. Soon after the semester was done we decided that the rainy state of WA I had grown up in was no longer for us, and we wanted to move to sunny Southern California. I began researching the options I had in OC and San Diego and made my decision to go to Saddleback College in Mission Viejo under the instruction of Don Potter and Jennifer Stephenson. We were given an assignment the first semester that included interviewing someone who was involved with the education of Deaf students. So, I chose Principal Levy at University High School. There was some sort of mix up because when I arrived for his interview we realized he thought I was being interviewed for a job there. By chance I brought up that I was a dance major in the past and he jumped on the opportunity to express their need for a Cheer Coach for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Cheer Squad. It was so random, but you must imagine how excited I was! I accepted the position and began working at Uni as a T. A. as well as the new DHH Cheer Coach. The girls were great, very talented as dancers naturally so it was fun to teach them some new techniques. I really enjoyed being at Uni, eventually I started interpreting for the Regional Occupation Program helping recent graduates find jobs in different settings.
Near the end of the ITP at Saddleback I started noticing the future RID requirements and decided I wanted to get my B. A. after the ITP was done, rather than wait and have to go back to school. So, I made one of the best choices in my life and applied to go to California State University, Northridge (CSUN). I was admitted and was able to talk my husband into moving to The Valley in order to go to school at one of the most prestigious Deaf Studies programs in our country. Going into the school I was pretty confident that I knew all there was to know about Deaf history, culture and interpreting. Let's just say I got a full dose of humble pie and at the same time loved every bit of new information. Everyone no matter what background you come from could learn something by taking the courses that CSUN has to offer. I had wonderful professors, supportive mentors, made a close group of friends and internalized a new way of thinking that made me no longer 'just' an interperter...the profession includes so much more than that!
Two week prior to graduating I took the NIC written/knowledge test. I highly recommend soon to be graduates take the test at the end of their final semester! First, the information you have been learning in your program is fresh in your memory and should be related to the questions on your test making the test easier, since you've probably been studying for a final in your classes. Having the written/knowledge test on your resume will make finding a job much easier. It proves that you are highly interested in becoming an interpreter and are already on your way to certification. You have 5 years to take the performance test after passing the written test, but believe me - you will be happy you took it!!
It is not easy to get an interpreting position that is full time right out of your ITP program. I can't emphasize any more to pass that written test before you graduate to have one up on the other applicants looking for work. Summer work in general is difficult to come by in comparison to the school year, especially for educational interpreters so start applying/interviewing in May before summer arrives. Now days it is beneficial to send not only your resume but a DVD introduction of yourself to the places you desire to work. Make sure to know the person you are sending your information to by name, this is where networking skills can come in handy. The DVD is not a requirement but it will give them a preview of your signing style and personality before your interview. There are many organizations and agencies that offer internship programs, some of them will not accept an intern if you have already had a certain number of hours interning during your ITP program, these are a good option if you are unable to find work and need to keep up with your skills. If you stop signing/interpreting you will lose the language just like any other language.
Did you know only 1 in every 10 ITP students becomes an interpreter?? This is what studies have shown. Many people change their career or give up on their dreams, probably because you need to be certified for so many positions (which is a wonderful thing don't get me wrong), but you'll need experience and skill to get certified which takes time and a foot in the door- not to mention a job to pay for the testing etc. It does seem discouraging but please don't feel as this profession is unattainable, surviving the "pre-certified" time period is the hardest part but you can do it! You will be SO happy once you've reached certification that you stuck with it! I have been there and felt the same pre-certified years of existence with low pay and few options. It does change, life will be easier.
To Future Interpreters
This is my advice for those of you who are thinking about becoming an interpreter in the future. First, if you go to a community college that has a 2 year ITP know that you are not done and should go to a University to get a 4 year degree in Deaf Studies. No matter how comfortable you feel there is always so much more to learn. Every opportunity you get, be an active participant in your Deaf community; live in the Deaf dorms, join the Deaf Sorority/Fraternity, go to Deaf events, volunteer to interpret as often as you can while you are a student ...these are the types of areas that seemed to separated the good students from the fluent and successful students. Continually keep informed about Deaf news in the community, you are a cultural ally and should know what is going on. The internet should be your best friend - watch vlogs often - there is such a plethora of information out there if you just try. Know that it is not an easy profession to get into, or an easy language to master, but you do have a community of interpreters that support you if you truly have your heart into it. Your attitude will make or break you in this profession, skill is important but it is not everything if you're open minded it will show. Good luck!!!!
A Sign Language/English Interpreter is Professional, Proficient and Personable ~Alisha McGraw