Reynolds Faculty Serve the Commonwealth
During COVID-19 Response
As part of the Commonwealth's COVID-19 Response, Reynolds
ASL&IE Faculty and Program Head, Carrie Humphrey is one of two interpreters chosen to stand on the podium with Governor Ralph Northam as he delivers his video news briefings during the COVID-19 crisis.
Reynolds Alumna Carrie N. H. Humphrey (ASL CSC, 2002; AS Science - Science Specialization, 2003) served as an adjunct faculty member for two years before becoming a full-time ASL faculty member. Carrie has served as the Reynolds ASL&IE Program Head for the last two years.
Carrie took time to answer a few questions by email about what it's like to serve as an interpreter during a crisis situation. Here is what she shared:
How were you chosen as one of two of the Governor’s interpreters?
The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing maintains a list of certified interpreters who are willing to be called in emergency situations and I am on the list. March 12th, I received a phone call that the Governor was going to speak in less than an hour and the coordinator was looking for an interpreter. I was finishing up my office hours on the Downtown campus and was able to walk over to the press conference in time.
What is it like to be on set with the Governor and his staff?
Everyone on set is professional and courteous. He and his staff are a pleasure to work with.
You are so calm and controlled on camera. Were you ever nervous? If so, how did you overcome it?
I am incredibly nervous each time I go and am grateful that part of interpreter training includes managing our professional presence. I pre- and post-conference with my team interpreter regularly so that we can provide consistency in sign choices and how we interpret the information. The ASL community in Virginia is also very supportive. It is comforting to get messages of encouragement from Deaf friends, interpreters, and Reynolds colleagues.
What part of this experience is most useful to share with your students?
One of my biggest mental distractors each time in front of the camera is knowing our students will see the interpretation. I'm happy to have had candid conversations with our interpreting students about the experience and share the thought process behind interpreting choices. The biggest lessons from this experience have been the reminders to stay prepared for last minute calls and focus on conveying the message clearly in the midst of emotional stresses.
Carrie, you say you are humbled by our interest in your service! We are humbled to see you on the frontline serving all Virginians in this time of crisis. We thank you, and the Reynolds community is proud to have you as our representative. Please stay safe. We are with you.
