Aliso Viejo
Attending Columbia College, Ohio (Major: ASL-English Interpretation and Musical Theatre.)
I believe that the act of human creation is what makes life so meaningful. Art is an intrinsic aspect of our existence, and lies at the core of our purpose. I am proud to call myself an artist, as well as a member of the theatre. I want to bring the arts to everyone and allow all people to be able to share in the creative experience, especially the thrill of live theatre. Individual creation gives way to pride, but the sharing of creation gives way to communal understanding and human connection. Sharing creation is how we express our love, provide social commentary, and abolish ignorance and prejudices. This is why I have decided to become an interpreter for the Deaf.
There is a severe lack of interpreters who not only have a command of American Sign Language, but are truly cognizant of the issues and needs of the Deaf Community and attuned to the dynamics of their culture. I have always been interested in signed language because it is completely visual. I took my first official class American Sign Language (ASL) over the summer after my junior year of high school at my local community college. In this class I learned how beautifully complex and emotionally expressive this language is. Every day, I discovered new parallels between interpreting in ASL and performing onstage. I have been involved in performance and theatre since the age of four, and have remained in training throughout my educational career. My talents have earned me various local awards and recognition for my achievements in acting, dancing, and technical theatre. I knew I wanted to continue my passion to compel audiences. By attaining fluency in American Sign Language, I shall be able to extend my reach as an actor as well as make theatre more accessible.
I am currently in my first year of attendance at Columbia College Chicago as a double major in ASL-English Interpretation and Musical Theatre. This is one of the only institutions which offers prestigious and fully comprehensive programs in both of my chosen fields of study. Taking Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and community college classes while in high school has allowed me to achieve sophomore status and more readily pursue my goals as a double major. As part of my ASL-English Interpretation major, I will complete a practicum that involves interpreting for plays and musicals produced by my college. This will give me not only hands-on experience in ASL interpreting for live theatre, but also substantial material for my résumé. Having just completed my first semester, my school has given me tremendous opportunities. I am already building connections within the Chicago theatre community as well as Chicago’s Deaf Community.
I also aspire to study ASL and Deaf Studies at the famous Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. this summer. This institution is the most prestigious liberal arts school for the Deaf in the United States. Similarly to the University of California, Berkeley, Gallaudet has been the location of great social protest and political victory for the rights of Deaf Americans.
I wish to be a bridge between the Hearing World and the Deaf World. I hope to combine all types of theatre with my love for American Sign Language and the incredible and resilient people to whom it belongs.
