Perception: How a Little Bit of Communication Can Change Everything

I’m a sign language interpreter at a school.  I was placed with a student with low language skills, because I myself am not fluent (yet) in American Sign Language (ASL).  The resource classroom I work in is set up so that other interpreters are positioned at the front of the classroom while I work one-on-one.  It sounds simple and straight forward, but keep in mind that most of the interpreters are interns and have not been in an educational setting before.

A problem arose when another interpreter asked me to swap places with her.  This person did not say why she needed to swap.  Whether the interpreter needed a break or whatever the reason is still unknown.  This happened in the middle of a lesson on kinetic and potential  energy.  I was prepared to do more than interpret for my student.  I had worksheets and various manipulatives that I wanted to use.  In fact, I’m more or less a teacher or tutor.  As you can see, interpreting a physics lesson is entirely different.

So, this interpreter asked to switch with me.  I indicated that I wasn’t comfortable switching.  I used the head teacher’s laptop to look for a video on YouTube (which we’ve done before).  I didn’t quite see what I was looking for.  I played a physics lesson that was taught in ASL.  The video was less than ideal, but I didn’t know what else to do.  In the mean time the other interpreter got up and went to sit with the para and two other interpreters in the back of the room.  This left me to interpret on my own.

As I watched the video play, I got really upset.  I excused myself to go to the teacher’s lounge.  I sat there for much longer than I intended, because I did not want others to see me crying.

Over the weekend I contacted my boss about it.  I sent an email.  It was perhaps more exaggerated than was necessary, but at least I was able to tell my entire side of the story from beginning to end.  After all, I felt as though it was part of a bigger problem that had been building momentum.  It turns out that I wasn’t supposed to be interpreting at the front of the classroom at all.  I was only supposed to stick with my assigned student.

Basically, we had both more or less perceived each other as being stubborn, unprofessional, or whatever word you would like to use.  I contacted my boss rather than letting tension build or riding it out.  Things aren’t perfect (yet), but at least they’re better than what they were.  We see each other better now.  I wasn’t equipped to deal with the other interpreter person to person, but at least I accomplished what I set out to accomplish which was making the situation better.  We each have a better understanding of our job duties and responsibilities.

So, how do you perceive things at work or in your home life?? Are you holding things in?? Are you blowing up at someone over a simple misunderstanding?  Is someone mad at you because of something that you didn’t even realize was bothering them?

I’ve learned that you have to talk your way through problems even if the conversation seems uncomfortable.  You have to ask questions, especially at work.  Asking questions doesn’t make you stupid.  It means that you want clarification.  It means that you want to prevent setbacks or mistakes.  It means that you’re brave enough to step forward when others keep all of their questions and concerns to themselves.

I actually considered quitting my job.  Now I get the chance to practice sign language and learn from others.  When I look around the classroom and ask, “why am I still here?” I can honestly answer by saying that my student is making progress.  My student is finally getting the one-on-one attention that he deserves, and it shows.

My advice to you is that if you find yourself in my position, take a breath and then have a much-needed conversation.

You may have noticed that it’s been a long time since the last time I posted.  I’ve been a little busy, but still want to help others with my blog.  Please feel free to offer suggestions for topics that you would like to see me discuss in the future.

Best of luck,

Vanessa

The Wisdom of Helen Keller

Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan

I have always been in awe of Helen Keller since I learned that she was deaf and blind. I din’t give it much thought, though, until I started taking sign language lessons a few years ago. About once a year or so the subject of tactile sign language comes up and/or they teach Helen Keller’s sign name.

I have become more aware of the life of Helen Keller from learning sign languge. However, what I know mostly comes from watching the movie Miracle Worker, and doing some light research on my own.

It’s simply incredible. She became deaf and blind at an early age due to a childhood illness that her doctor described as a severe fever. As a child her her parents didn’t know how to communticate with her, and she would often become very frustrated since she did not know how to communicate with them. Her behavior was far from ideal until Anne Sullivan became her teacher and taught her to spell words.

The following are quotes that I found in The Pocket Book of Positives: A Reassuring Companion for Life’s Journey.

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.

Helen Keller

That one is thought-provoking. As kid I liked doing my best. Somewhere along the line I learned words that didn’t always have a positive meaning such as teacher’s pet, nerd, and perfectionist. However, in that quote and in the ones that follow, it becomes clear that doing our best can lead to great things.

The next few quotes have to deal with taking risks:

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.

Helen Keller

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.

Helen Keller

It’s implied that taking a risk is better than doing the same old thing even though it might be considered the safer choice.

The following one reminds me of Mother Teresa who encouraged others to do things with love:

I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but my chief duty is to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.

Helen Keller

Actually, Helen Keller did do great and noble things such as being a political and social activist. But I think I know what she means. You have to put your best foot forward. You have to work as though it counts for something, because pessimists and/or people with depression usually expect the worst to happen. We can easily fall into the thought pattern of “why try?”

Interestingly, Helen Keller had something to say about pessimists as well:

No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to unchartered land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.

Helen Keller

These things truely come from a very wise person. She clearly understands what happens when you feel sorry for yourself as well as what happens when you do your best with what you’ve got.

Not bad for someone who didn’t have language from roughly the age of two to six years old!

We have all had some sort of setbacks at some point. My point is that when you fall you can either remain where you are, or pick yourself up and keep going.

With severe depression it may seem that bad luck and failure are the rule of thumb. However, you have to constantly remind yourself that this isn’t the case. If you look around you’ll hopefully find inspiratoin from your friends and family. If not, you can look to those who have made a lasting impression such as Helen Keller.

I hope you find the inspiration and motivation you need this week. I invite you to challenge your old way of thinking, and try something new.

Best of luck,

Vanessa