A
popular but yet complicated question I frequently get asked is how did I become
interested in American Sign Language and interpreting. Over the years I have
come to realize what initially caught my attention was that I was good at ASL. It
was the only thing that came easy to me in school. Finally I found something
that I excelled in. Once I got further into the interpreting program it wasn’t
so much that I was good at ASL or that it came easy to me as it became more of
a mental challenge for me. The intrigue changed from having it come easy to me
to having a challenge presented in front of me that I wanted to overcome and
complete.
I
moved to Indiana from Arizona for personal reasons at the time. It ended up
being a very educational experience for my personal growth and development. I
choose the Indiana University of Purdue University of Indianapolis because I
heard it was a good program for Interpreting students. I also had a previous
professor who attended The Indianapolis School for the Deaf and evidentially
taught there. He spoke very highly of The School for the Deaf, IUPUI, and
Indianapolis. To me it seemed like a good choice for me to belong to an
institution that has a good reputation and a rich history in the Deaf culture.
I
am applying for an interpreting position in music and theatre, both in the
Elizabethan era and in modern time. I believe the skills, experience, and
education I possess will benefit me in the field I desire. Obtaining a bachelor of science in
American Sign Language Interpretation, making the deans list four separate
times, taking extensive classes in old English writers, a passion to learn
about different cultures and travel, and focusing my practicum in music and
theatre, I believe makes me a suitable candidate for employment. I had the
privilege of having my practicum in interpreting for the Indianapolis Men’s
Chorus, their Christmas 2013 and spring 2014 concert, and also interpreting an
Elizabethan play, Arden of Faversham, spring 2014.
Perhaps my desire
to enter the interpreting field of music and theatre stems from my twelve years
of performing ballet and other forms of art dance. Being able to combine two of
my favorite things, ASL and music/theatre, drives my passion for this
particular field. There is something about being able to become someone else,
encompassing that persona, and expressing it through a visual language just has
a certain appeal to my heart. Also, there is a particular comfort that I
receive that comes from being able to prep and practice over and over again
with music and theatre.
My goals for the
next year are to complete my first part of my certification and to find
employment that will help me grow as an ASL interpreter and in my personal
life. Within the next five years my goals are to have completed my
certification and license test, have the opportunity to participate in the
Julliard program for interpreters, and to have found a career in my field that
I am passionate about and appreciated in. I believe what makes me more suitable
for this position more than other candidates is my hard working determined
spunky personality. I learn quickly and I am very eager to challenge my skills
and myself. I believe I have a special presence I can bring to my work and
others around me to produce the best quality of work. Thank you for your time
and consideration.
Sincerely,
Alexis
Poteet Barber
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