I have been trying to pass this interpreting certification test for the past 3 (or so) years. I have taken the test some 10 (or so) times. I took it again about 2 weeks ago. There are 5 parts to this test and I have passed 4 of those 5. I have until the end of October to pass the final part, when my current certification lapses and I will no longer be able to work as a sign language interpreter.
Needless to say, I think about these facts at least one time every second of every day. I visualize joyous celebrations after receiving positive results. I imagine myself calling, or more likely texting everyone I know to tell them the great news (in all caps)! I daydream about a trip to Hawaii, graciously given to me by Brett's parents as a congratulatory gift. I think about the moment I read my results and it sinks in that I will
never have to take that test again!
However, there are times when I begin to let myself think about what will happen if I don't pass. And I think about the feeling I have when I realize that I have failed and all the work I have done and all the time I have spent will be for nothing. But I can't think about that often, because it would paralyze me.
This test, honestly, is a bigger deal to me than my Masters degree. This is what I have been working toward since the time I took my first ASL class in 2001. I had a teacher ask me recently what I would be doing now if I weren't an interpreter. The question freaked me out. I love interpreting. I want to interpret for the rest of my career. This is what I do.
Okay, so my point is to ask everyone reading my blog to send their positive energies my way. I have a good friend who likes to ask those people important to her for prayers when she's feeling overwhelmed. I figure it can't hurt, right? So I'm asking for mental help right now. When I was preparing for this last test, I had 2 affirmations for myself: "I have many options available to me"; "I am prepared to accept whatever turn my life takes". Whatever happens, I will be fine. I will move on and keep doing whatever I need to do in order to live a fulfilling life. I can sit and think rationally about this situation and know that I will be happy no matter what happens. But I
really super duper badly NEED to pass this test. So if you could please send me support in whatever form you feel--affirmations, prayers, thoughts, money, songs, etc, etc.
I will let you know as soon as I do how it all went. (suppress the panic induced hyperventilation) I am calm...I am calm...
Ethan is in the grabbing-everyone's-nose phase.
Jason and Ethan having a moment.
He is such a cute boy! I've never seen a cuter one!!! Plus, he's started playing with the camera...he likes to laugh at me when I bring it out. That's always nice for photos.
I got a video of Ethan singing along with the music. I hope you can pick out his voice in all the noise. The camera microphone didn't pick up the music very well. The band really does sound good, not just noisy garble like it sounds!
Playing with the zoom lens means getting a close picture of Brett rocking out, while still sitting far away in my chair.
Some "artistic" shots I was playing with. I love my camera!
