Category: Career

Categories
Career Celebration Reflections

2021 Reflections: The year that was.

Another year of growth. I’m grateful, proud and exhausted. I think this year has been a continuation of the previous year 2020 – by now most people have pivoted their mindsets, businesses and lifestyles to future-proof their environments.

There’s so much to be grateful for: Fulfilling my life’s purpose everyday, my loved ones are alive and well, the opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. I honestly can’t complain.

As an entrepreneur, my leadership skills have been tested and stretched in every sense possible; today Yellow Owl is well on its way to establishing better systems, a loyal client base, and delivering more valuable services to our communities.

So many people and clients have contributed positively to Yellow Owl’s achievements – however, there are three specific entities I’d like to make special mention of: Lionesses of Africa, the New Generation and Signs & Stories: the silent podcast.

  1. Lionesses of Africa

I’ve been fortunate to being selected for two mentorship programs: The Cherie Blaire Foundation for Women Business Mentorship & the Sunlight Accelerator Program. I got introduced to my mentor Micheal Muchkin and learned from many inspirational business women sharing their stories.

The programs are intensive and require much commitment. Other than that, it’s a great opportunity to network, collaborate and get valuable advice from successful entrepreneurs.

2. New Generation Silver Award

We recently got award the New Generation Silver Award for our collaboration with Cliff Central.com’s Blind History podcast sponsored by Taylor Blinds and Shutters. This accolade is validation that what we do as Yellow Owl matters, a proven model which solves a problem in the online podcast industry. We found a niche in the market and are claiming that space!

I’m excited about reaching new frontiers in 2022!

3. Signs & Stories: the silent podcast

This project is very close to my heart, an absolute dream come true! Another first of its kind for both Yellow Owl, the Deaf community and the podcast industry – a visual podcast using SASL to capture the experiences, stories and shared values within the Deaf community.

Our first episode premiered on 18th November 2021 and the response has been overwhelmingly positive; a few things we can improve as a team, but overall it’s been a great learning curve and milestone towards empowerment and ensuring more inclusive content.

Conclusion

A big THANK YOU to everyone – family, friends, clients, mentors & creative collaborators for their support. Personally, I can definitely look back at 2021 and celebrate several small wins. As an entrepreneur, the desire to inspire people and drive positive change wherever possible, has only gotten more intense!

My message of Hope: Pay close attention to those whispers, in your heart, mind and surroundings. Embrace change & take a bold step each day towards showing up fully – here and now.

God Bless, Stay Safe.

Categories
Accreditation Career Interpreting Personal Development

To SATI, or not to SATI?

Stamp of Approval

Would you trust a doctor without a practicing licence to help you when feeling sick? Would you sit down and eat the food prepared by a restaurant that is not licenced? Absolutely not! My health and wellness are way too important both for me and my loved ones, to risk food poisoning or even worse – death. The same principle applies to practicing interpreters: as an individual or organisation; I would be very skeptical approaching an interpreter that has no accreditation for my important meeting, and ultimately risk miscommunication and a tarnished reputation.

Each industry has authority bodies that regulate practices and protect the interests of individuals, communities, and organisations. This is to ensure that work is done at a level that meets or exceeds expectations developed in that specific industry. For example, the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) is the statutory body in the medical industry that regulates professional services offered by health workers in South Africa. The CGCSA (Consumer Goods Council of South Africa) advocates for food safety and food waste best practices across the retail industry.

For us interpreters, this institute is SATI.

Who is SATI?

The South African Translators’ Institute (SATI) is a professional association for language practitioners in South Africa; ranging from translators, text editors, interpreters, lexicographers, proofreaders, and copywriters. A system of accreditation was introduced in 1990 aimed at improving the standing of language practitioners; maintain a high level of competence; and adherence to a strict code of ethics. The system began with translation and has since expanded into other related language services.

Failure is not final

In 2017, I failed my first attempt at getting accredited. I gave it my best shot and felt devastated to learn that I failed the exam. Honestly, the exam criteria is difficult – it tests all the skills needed for language practitioners to serve and thrive in a competitive industry. Furthermore; overcoming difficulty ensures a high standard of competence needed for real-life, often stressful working environments.

Fortunately, through determination and support; I re-applied in 2018 and passed the exam. There are currently only 12* SATI accredited SASL interpreters in South Africa; hopefully this number grows over time. (*Number updated accordingly).

3 Benefits of SATI membership

  1. Ensure best practice

Being a member of a recognised association helps individuals comply with ethical requirements of their industry and maintain a high quality service. As an interpreter; being a member of SATI helps me stay accountable to fellow interpreters who look up to me; I am responsible to conduct myself professionally and ethically at all times being fully aware how my decisions may impact generations to come – positively or negatively.

2. Peace of mind regarding competence

The most rewarding feeling I get when working with clients is the re-assurance of getting the job done, very well – I can deliver on the promise to always give my best. Displaying competence is a great way to build credibility, trust, and respect with clients, while giving them a peace of mind to focus on the task at hand.

3. Networking opportunities

SATI hosts regular webinars, workshops and training; and as a member I have access to this information because I am on their database system. I receive weekly emails circulating updates of job opportunities, news of other language practitioners, and connecting with fellow professionals. It’s a great way to network and learn from other related language industries.

Strict Regulations

There are some provisions made by SATI that individuals need to be aware before they become members and get accredited. Honestly, these factors have divided the interpreting industry; making it difficult to commit to membership and accreditation. These include lapsing of accreditation if membership fees are not paid; and the year long turn-around time to re-apply if deemed unsuccessful.

However, in the true spirit of SATI and its determination for maintaining excellence for all language practitioners; SASL interpreters looking to become accredited must show evidence of either a language qualification; 5 years experience supported by professional references; and at least 3 month membership.

Conclusion

Accreditation is a controversial topic in our industry – I’m pro accreditation. There’s a deep sense of pride, honour and integrity knowing that I’m dedicating my life to serve with excellence. My advice is go all the way! Invest in your professional interpreting career through training and skills development, mentorship, or accreditation; do whatever it takes.

Anything worthwhile won’t come easy – it’s hard work, consistency, and determination. When you know your why and understand how it fits into the bigger scheme of things; you will be motivated to keep going even when failure comes.

Categories
Career Interpreting Personal Development Purpose

Am I really cut out to be an interpreter?

Finding your Purpose

It starts here. Finding your why. It was around 2014 when I decided I wanted to interpret full-time. I had several career options to choose from: either build on my psychology foundation; explore the education sector; or stick with interpreting and develop my skills.

You see, my type-A personality leaves little room for spontaneity: I’m results-driven; I’m obsessed with structure; and I’m a high achiever. So when I chose interpreting as a professional career, I had to go all the way! I was ready for whatever sacrifice and hard work it took to build an established career; whether it was studying further, accreditation, or practicing over and over again. Basically, I wanted to be the best! I wanted (and still do) want to be recognised among the top interpreters in the country.

Helpful questions to ask yourself

If you are already an interpreter, or considering a career as one; it is crucial to be honest with yourself. Ask yourself these helpful questions:

  • Do I want to do this everyday without getting bored?
  • Beyond the money, am I passionate about interpreting?
  • Is interpreting easy for me? Do I have a natural ability that can be developed further with intensive practice?
  • 5 -10 years down the line, what will I be remembered for as an interpreter?
  • Can I contribute something new and valuable to the industry?

Pay attention to feedback

Last year I left my full-time job as an interpreter to start my own company Yellow Owl. I can’t say I had all the answers, all I knew was that something just wasn’t right anymore. I was restless; I woke up feeling exhausted; and I had a very strong sense that something was calling and pulling me to be more than what I experienced around me – it was time.

Yes, I felt misunderstood; and I kept to myself. I even started second guessing my thoughts, desires and ambitions of wanting more from life. ‘Was I crazy?’ It felt like the world around me was black and white – I was the only one living in colour. 

3 Tips for finding your purpose

Psychotherapist Amy Morin offers several useful tips on how to find your purpose. I will expand on 3 tips that resonate with me.

1) Explore your interests

What do you enjoy doing and talking about without much effort? A good indicator is what you choose to spend most of your time doing and always make time for, no matter what – is it art, being outdoors, catering, or writing?

I have a natural ability to lead and my personality compliments public speaking. I want to inspire people and drive positive change in my community. So I always find unique ways to incorporate my interests into interpreting.

2) What overlooked social injustice frustrate you?

There’s so much more that can be done through interpreting; just by taking time to really understand one’s role in the whole communication and information sharing process. I love consuming a variety of stimulating content – whether it’s podcasts, videos, music or written text. I often take for granted the freedom I have to simply switch platforms and choose something more engaging anytime.

One of the roles of an interpreter is to remove barriers to information access – information in all forms. Unfortunately, Deaf people don’t always have the luxury to enjoy, choose or experience audio content at it best. This is a huge responsibility; but it also makes interpreting fun and exciting – identifying a gap in the market and solving the problem creatively and collectively! This injustice inspires my business model of making digital content more inclusive and accessible through SASL interpreting. Become the solution to persistent, ignored problems in society.

3) Choose your company carefully

Positive people will inspire and challenge you to also start being optimistic, it’s contagious! We all encounter problems in life; however, only you are responsible for how you respond to difficult people and circumstances that come your way.

I often spend time alone working or processing some thoughts; but I am very careful who I allow into my personal space and the energy people bring. This conscious tough decision helps me stay focused and level-minded.

Conclusion

Ultimately, we all have different paths to walk – I’m fortunate to have discovered my purpose early on in life; coupled with my interests and personality traits. This makes it possible for me to excel as a professional interpreter who collaborates with like-minded people; use my voice to solve overlooked, persistent problems creatively – and still have fun while doing it!

When I stopped comparing myself to other fellow interpreters and people in general; I began discovering my own unique skills that set me apart from everybody – built on a strong purpose-driven foundation.