Pioneer of Color education Scholarship

Hello I am Tatiana Gonzalez and the scholarship I am applying for is the Pioneer of Color education scholarship. Number 1: why do I want to become an interpreter? I always say I didn’t choose interpreting, interpreting chose me. You see my family is from Puerto Rico and our first language is Spanish. While my parents spoke Spanish, my teachers spoke English and I was caught right in the middle navigating every parent teacher conference to the best of my ability. Additionally I have a younger brother, he and I are about 19 months apart in age. When he would cry or blab, my parents would ask me what he was saying or what did he want. I’d proudly tell them he wants milk, Duh. Always bringing my brother joy when he would get what he wanted. I always found myself interpreting at some capacity whether it was spoken language or baby language. I watched my parents struggle to learn English in a world that expected that of them with no help or guidance. They experienced life like this and learned English of their lives went on. The Deaf community experiences life similarly with the hearing world, expecting them to learn English or to read lips. I want to help the Deaf community show the hearing world they can achieve anything in life without knowing English or reading lips. Bridging the gap between two worlds. So many ideas on both sides of the spectrum that often get lost due to lack of exchange. Imagine a world where we can all collaborate together. Number 2: what are my interpreting goals and how would this scholarship help? My overall goal for the future is to become a legal and medical interpreter. To reach those goals, I am working towards a bachelors degree and continuing my education, studying and going to workshops while also attending community events and putting everything I’ve learned to memory these two goals will lead me to certification. Number 3: why should you choose me for this scholarship? First, I understand the importance of good clear communication. Second, I believe the communication is a human right. Third in the past I’ve been passionate about different things, but never as passionate as I am now about becoming an interpreter. My life goal is to serve others. I often call myself a servant you know the phrase “a servant heart“ yeah, I have that. I know that this scholarship will help me work at the hotel less, so I can study more. Right now I am a full-time employee and a full-time student. The scholarship will not only show me that I’m on the right path, but that I can attain my goals. The scholarship is an investment in me and ultimately an investment for the Deaf community. Thank you for your time. I appreciate you.