I just registered for college!

[tc]

I am 42 years old, and heading back to college. Actually, since I've never been, I guess I'm not heading back, I'm just heading. I've decided to become a deaf interpreter. It's always been a secret dream of mine, but figured it was a pipe dream. I never really mentioned it to anyone. While at WDW in September, we watched the Beauty and the Beast show at MGM. It was being interpreted, and I was enthralled. I couldn't keep my eyes off of the interpreters. They didn't just interpret, they acted out each character. There were two of them, a guy and a girl, and they were amazing. I couldn't stop talking about them after I left. I kept telling Stephen how I'd love to do that, tie my interest in sign language with my love of acting. He said, "Why don't you go to school and do it?" I was shocked. I really didn't figure that was an option. I don't know why. We could afford it, my kids are grown, I have the time, I just figured I was too old. Well, he talked me into it. I have registered and have an interview and a time to take the test next week (it's a community college, so everyone gets in, but a test is needed for placement). I have to take ASL 1 and 2 before accepted into the Interpreter's program. So, next fall I should be well on my way (having taken ASL 1 this Spring and ASL 2 this summer.)

I am sooooo excited. I have friends at church who are Interpreters and are more than ready the help me out. So, wish me luck!!!!!

 

[accomp]

Way to go! That is great!

 

[esmerelda51]

Great idea! What a wonderful thing to do. And who knows- if you ever move to Orlando you might be able to do it in our favorite place just like the ones you saw. Good luck in school. I know you will do a great job.

 

[Meriweather]

How wonderful, tc!! Sounds like a great plan!

And....you are never too old
When I was in college I had a class with an 80 year old woman in it!! And she was working on a degree.

 

[CamColt]

Congratulations!!!
Even deciding to go back is an accomplishment you should be proud of. Best of luck to you, and enjoy your new venture.

 

[lilboo]

That's so exciting! Best of luck to you.

 

[tc]

Thanks I appreciate all your support.

esmerelda51: That is certainly something I am thinking about. But, even if that doesn't happen, I can use it at church, or in theater around here. (BTW, enjoying your trip reports)

 

[scarlett873]

congrats!!!

i love to watch the sign language interpreters too. they're always so animated.

and i don't think that you are ever too old for school. my mom waited until i was in junior high before she went for her LPN way back in the mid 80's...she completed that and then went back to school for her RN a few years ago. she graduated this passed december!! and she turned 50 this year...

maybe we'll be seeing you at WDW as a cast member sometime in the future!!!

 

[Big V]

Way to go Keli! I'm sure you will be a wonderful interpreter!

 

[Towncrier]

Congrats Keli. It sounds like this job would be a wonderful use of your talents. When we cruised on the Disney Magic in 2000, I was completely enthralled by the ASL interpreters. I couldn't keep my eyes off of them during the performances. I think that it's wonderful for you to take steps to join their ranks. You go girl.

 

[swanmom]

tc,
You go for it, girl! I have a good friend who founded a non-profit organization to train and provide 'theatrical' interpreters for arts events. They've now been around for over 20 years and provide trained interpreters for some of the top shows and events in NYC (including Lion King.) They often have tickets available for interpreted shows in New York City -(they have to go first to deaf patrons but, if you tell them you are learning to be an interpreter and they have seats available they'll sell you reserved seats to sit in the section near the interpreter.) There's lots of interesting information at their website: www.handson.org
(Get it? "Hands On?" Good luck and hope the website is helpful.

 

[Credit Man]

Congratulations, Kelli. Good luck!

 

[Pop Daddy]

good luck

 

[tc]

swanmom: thanks so much for that website. I was wondering, once I get this done, how I would start, and this is a great place to start from. I've set it to my favorites already!

 

[RitaZ.]

TC~ That's great! Good luck to you!

 

[Serena]

That's great! Good luck with it.

 

[tc]

Thanks everyone. You make me feel like I'm not being silly going to college in my 40s. I am getting so excited.

 

[cinmell]

Congratulations!