R ise and S ign :
The Life of a Sign Language Interpreter
By: Meghan Orsino
“ Kindness is the language which the
deaf can hear and the blind can see. ”
-Mark Twain
F
or Brian Smith '08, there’s no such thing as a typical day.
As a Sign Language Interpreter, he has had a wide variety
of unique and interesting opportunities that have shaped
him as a person, as well as his career.
“The job of a sign language interpreter is very diverse. We’re
doing everything. You name it, we’ll be interpreting it,” Brian
said.
Interpreters must be well-versed in their area of expertise,
and have the ability to translate that knowledge accurately
for their clients. The need for interpreters is everywhere, and
Brian has experience in a variety of different fields. Some
sign language interpreters
work in education, where
“The job of a sign
they translate a teacher’s
language interpreter lecture into sign language
for deaf students, while
is very diverse. You
other interpreters work
in a community setting at
name it, we’ll be
offices, banks, courthouses,
interpreting it.”
hospitals, and more.
What’s the next step for Brian? In addition to pursuing
his CCHI certification for medical interpreting, he is
very interested in exploring Video Relay Interpreting, a
new innovative technology to improve interactions and
interpretations for deaf
individuals remotely.
“Don’t limit yourself
by what others say.
Try it. Keep working
for it. You might
not be the best,
but you’re trying
and you’re going
forward.”
“Video Relay Interpreting
is where a deaf person
using the phone would
call a Video Relay Service
and there would be a live
interpreter there. They
would see it on their phone,
so you’re interpreting the
conversation to a deaf
person with their telephone
company, the electric
company, or another
business.” Brian explains. “You always have to be open to new
opportunities. Technology changes, so I’m looking at that as a
new horizon to venture into.”
“Today, I’m in many different environments as a sign language
interpreter. I could be in the operating room to counseling
appointments, and even working in schools.” Brian said.
“There’s many opportunities for interpreters today that have
changed since 1994.” At the end of the day, you have to do what you love and
remember it’s never too late to try new things and open your
mind to new opportunities. Brian’s words of advice ring true
for anyone - first-year students, graduating seniors, and alumni
alike - chase your dreams.
Among all of the unique types of interpreting, Brian finds he
enjoys medical the most. In the near future, Brian hopes to
earn his certification from the Certification Commission for
Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) to hone his skills within the
medical field. “Don’t limit yourself by what others say. Try it. Keep working
for it.You might not be the best, but you’re trying and you’re
going forward.”
16
TODAY