SES Professions in Deafness
Student Testimonials
Erin Quinn: Graduate of Interpreter Preparation Program Spring 2007
Employment Training Specialist/Full Time Staff Interpreter for the Helen Keller National Center
Throughout my college career I had explored various academic paths. I struggled finding one that fit me, until I transferred to UNCG. My experience at UNCG was amazing. I know that most of the individuals reading this may think that I am just saying this because I was asked to write a testimonial for the web-site. However, my experience was truly amazing. The program was challenging as well as welcoming with a sense of family. In this program you are not just a number like many other majors you are part of the family. The professors in this program take a special interest in all of the students and really guide each one of us.
During my time with-in this program I was able to discover my love and interest in working with d/Deaf-Blind individuals. From this program I was able to gain so much knowledge and hands on experience in deaf-blindness that prepared me for where I am today.
After graduation I became the Interpreter-Coordinator for a non-profit agency. This was an experience of a life-time. Even after I had a job in the field I still maintained contact with my instructors and was able to consult them for guidance. After, I had left my position as interpreter coordinator I went on to work for Helen Keller National Center where I am still growing with in this field and pursuing my passion.
Kristin Swindle: Graduate Interpreter Preparation Program Spring 2008
Educational Interpreter and Middle School Girls Basketball Coach
I feel very lucky to have been a part of the SES Deaf Professions Program. There are a lot of great things that this program offers to students who want to become interpreters for the Deaf. I felt very involved and had a chance to get a lot of feedback from my peers as well as my professors. With having small classes I felt like we had a small community. It was a great source of a support system because we were all struggling and succeeding together. We had Deaf people from the community help us in class. They encouraged us to attend Deaf events in the community such as silent dinners or bowling. Going to these events helped my signing skills immensely. We learn a lot about Deaf culture in class but attending the Deaf events really gave me a different perspective on it. The professors of the program are great. They are funny, skilled, and experienced. They are always available for help and advice. One thing that I really needed was attention and time with advising. The advisors really help you with your schedule and what works best for you. This is a really great program and I would recommend it to anyone considering a profession in interpreting for the Deaf.
Jamie Hill: Graduate of Interpreter Preparation Program Spring 2001
Staff Interpreter for Non-Profit Agency
I truly enjoyed my time in the interpreter preparation program at UNC-G.
The program was very successful in preparing me to enter the field as an
educational interpreter. My professors and instructors always challenged
me and my classmates to go out into the Deaf community to increase our
knowledge of the language and culture and not limit ourselves to just the
classroom. That experience alone was priceless! When I graduated from
the program, the professors there left their doors open to me should I ever
have questions or need advice. I think my favorite, and at the same time
challenging part, of the program was practicing interpreting different
scenarios. Not only did they help me think through “what would I do?” but
I was able to make mistakes and receive feedback in a safe and nurturing
environment. I graduated the program in 2001 with a focus on Educational
Interpreting in and spent almost four years interpreting in educational
settings. During that time I took and passed the RID: CI exam, and the
Educational Interpreters Performance Assessment. In 2005 I transitioned
out of the educational field and went to interpret in community settings
following that transition I took and passed the RID: CT exam. Currently I am
a staff interpreter at a local non-profit agency. I interpret in a variety of
community settings and assist our director with other programs and
services that the agency provides.