Mentorship

Interpreters have a difficult job.  We must be fluent in at least two languages and cultures; know a lot about a myriad of different topics; understand human dyamics and interactions; be emotionally mature and able to function in many different situations; and be good businesspeople.  We must make it a priority to continue our professional development in order to live up to these difficult expectations! 

  Mentorship is an important part of our profession, and our ability to continue to grow professionally.  Mentorship is a process of working in a collaborative relationship with another person or people.  Frequently, both people are interpreters, though a non-interpreter mentor can certainly provide information, support, and feedback, and a Deaf mentor is a wonderful source for language, cultural, and interactional guidance.

  Mentorship wears many faces…including yours!  Anyone can mentor or be mentored—young or old, experienced or neophyte, specialist or generalist.  Everyone has something to teach and something to learn.  Mentorship is, most of all, a relationship between people.  It requires patience and a commitment to grow.

  WSRID's mentorship program is in its early stages.  We are working on developing a packet of materials to provide to participants in the mentorship program, and will be developing lists of prospective mentors and people who want mentoring.  Further trainings on mentoring and being mentored may be offered in the future.

  For more information, contact Beth Schoenberg at BethS@SignOnASL.com, or 206-632-6746 v/tty.