You do not have to accept unacceptable behavior.

Let me share an experience that solidified this truth for me.

One time, I was on an interpreting assignment where it was known that the man I was working with was degrading to female interpreters. I went in knowing this, but what happened was still shocking.

During a break between sessions, someone from the audience came up and talked to me. They asked how I learned sign language—it was a typical question, something that happens all the time.

Out of nowhere, the man I was working with whistled at me like I was a dog!?

And he told me: "COME ON!"

I turned to the person I was speaking with and said, "Apparently, I'm not allowed to talk to others."

And then I did what I had to do—I finished out the day. I made sure I did an excellent job interpreting because that’s what I was there to do.

But once the day was over, I knew I had to do something.

I told him directly, "That was not acceptable." Then, I immediately reached out to the agency that had sent me on the assignment and told them, "I will not work with this man ever again."

The point I want to make today is this: stand up for yourself.

You don’t need to be treaded on, and you definitely don’t need to be treated like a dog. You're worth so much more than that.

So, if you’re ever in a situation where someone is disrespecting you, take a moment to really think about how you can empower yourself to take care of yourself.

Stand up for who you are, because you deserve to be treated with respect.

I hope you have an amazing day!

Today, I want to share a simple but powerful lesson about respecting others' opinions.

This lesson came to me during my time at Gallaudet University, the only four-year liberal arts university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

I was one of about 100 hearing students in the master’s program, but honestly, I didn’t feel very accepted at first. Most of the students had hearing loss, and this was a space where they felt understood and supported. To them, my presence as a hearing person felt like an intrusion.

I remember going to the campus laundromat one day and getting bawled out:

"You shouldn’t be here. This isn’t your university."

Ouch. It was condemning. I felt rejected and out of place.

But later, I realized something important. Their reaction wasn’t really about me — it was their own story. They had worked hard to be in a place where they felt safe and understood. I was intruding on their territory.

That experience taught me to respect their perspective. I didn’t need to take their reaction personally. Instead, I could choose to understand where they were coming from and love them for who they were and where they were in their journey.

So, if you find yourself on the receiving end of someone else’s story and it feels tough, try to love the person from where they are.

Recognize that their experience, their story, is different from yours, and that’s okay. We don’t have to agree with everyone, but we can choose to honor their journey and respect their opinion. In doing so, we create a more compassionate and understanding world.

Respecting others isn’t about agreeing with them — it’s about acknowledging their journey and choosing to respond with love and empathy.

I hope you have an amazing day!

Have you ever been in a situation that forces you to break the rules and tap into the deeper wisdom of your heart?

I found myself in one of those moments while interpreting a client's doctor visit.

As an interpreter, I’ve been trained to maintain a neutral, composed demeanor, no matter the situation.

But one day, I was interpreting for a man who had just been given devastating news: he was dying of cancer. 

The problem was that this man had been kept in the dark for so long. His family hadn’t allowed a sign language interpreter to his doctor visits, so this was the first time he was hearing the full extent of his condition.

The room was heavy as the doctor informed him that the chemotherapy was no longer working and that he needed to get his life in order because he only had a short time to live.

I did what I was supposed to do. I interpreted with a straight face, holding it together just like the doctor did.

But as I walked out of the room, tears welled up in my eyes, and the deaf man came up to me.

He thanked me for interpreting.

I started bawling and, without thinking twice, I gave him a hug.

I hugged him because he needed it. I hugged him because, in that moment, we were both lost from the emotional whirlwind that had just happened.

In that moment, compassion was more important than the rules around professionalism.

I didn’t keep my composure, and I hugged the client. I stepped out of my professional role.

Sometimes, we have to break the rules. We have to trust the wisdom of our hearts and do what feels right.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where the rules seem to clash with your heart, remember that compassion is always a good guide. Trust yourself to know when it’s the right time to step outside the lines so you can bring a little more light and love into the world.

I hope you have an amazing day!

We all make mistakes, right?

I've made my share, and that's okay. It's more than okay—it's a natural part of being human.

But here's the important part: it's okay to admit those mistakes.

In fact, it's better if you do.

As a sign language interpreter, especially in a court setting, if I misinterpret something and realize it, I immediately stop the session.

I let everyone know that I've made an interpreter error. Then, I work quickly to correct the mistake.

This scenario can happen in other situations too. Sometimes, I might not be clicking with a deaf individual, or they might have a different language level than I do. Again, I'll stop and do my best to address the error.

There are times when fixing the error means calling in outside help from a CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter) to ensure that the deaf individual receives the correct and adequate information.

None of us want to make mistakes in life.

Admitting them can be tough.

Fixing them can be even tougher.

But here’s the key lesson: acknowledging and correcting the mistake is not only the right thing to do—it's a sign of strength and integrity.

It’s about being committed to clear communication and doing your best to ensure that others understand you.

Remember, it's not the mistake that defines us, but how we respond to it. When we embrace our errors as opportunities to learn and grow, we become better, more compassionate individuals.

So, the next time you realize you've made a mistake, remember—acknowledge, correct, and move forward with confidence. That’s where true growth happens.

Today, I want to encourage you to remember how much you're worth.

Have you ever let yourself get short-changed?

I have.

When I moved to San Antonio, I was told by several interpreting agencies that I would not be hired unless I lowered my rates.

So I did.

But in a short period of time, I realized I was worth more than I was charging.

I've been interpreting for 25 years and I've worked hard to get to where I am.

But I went into scarcity mode, thinking what if I don't get work?

I changed my tune.

I bumped my rates for all the agencies.

And guess what?

I continued to get work because I was charging what I was worthy of receiving.

So I want you to think about that today.

Are you short-changing yourself?

Or are you getting what you deserve?

You've worked so hard, and you're worthy of receiving!

Have you ever been deeply immersed in something and suddenly lose track of where you are?

As if something divine takes over and guides you to a place of pure inspiration and flow.

This happens to me when I'm interpreting music.

I experience a connection to spirit, where I just let go, and embrace the divine guidance. It's a beautiful moment of being in sync with the universe.

Athletes often describe this as being "in the zone" when they are fully present and performing at their peak.

You can experience this too. It involves surrendering and asking the universe to align with your true purpose and expression in life.

Take a moment to think about it.

Surrender.

Let go.

Ask for divine connection.

Allow yourself to be "in the zone" and truly love what you're doing.

Many years ago, when I moved to Lubbock, Texas, opportunities for sign language interpreters were scarce.

I interviewed for a position at Texas Tech University, where they emphasized the need for a long-term commitment.

At the same time, I knew there was a potential for another company, Video Relay, to open in town, which would offer me more work.

Choosing honesty, I informed Texas Tech about this possibility and my need to consider it. I was the primary breadwinner, supporting my family and putting my ex-husband through school.

I didn't get the job at Texas Tech.

However, two weeks later, an incredible opportunity arose. An amazing man moved to town, who needed a full-time interpreter for his work. This became the best job I’ve ever had in my 25 years of interpreting.

This experience taught me that honesty, even when it seems to close doors, can lead to greater and more fulfilling opportunities.

I wish the same for you — may your truth pave the way for unexpected and wonderful possibilities.

As a sign language interpreter, I am not allowed to give advice or express my opinion.

My role is simply to be a communication moderator. I'm there to facilitate.

So, when a client asks for my opinion, I respond by asking them questions.

I believe that all the answers are within us. We don't need an external source to find clarity.

By asking clients questions about their comments, they can become clear.

They can gain a better understanding of their own thoughts. This approach helps them explore their own insights without being influenced or led in the wrong direction.

In everyday life, we can all benefit from asking ourselves and others thoughtful questions to uncover the answers that already lie within.

I hope you have an amazing day.

Today, I want to talk to you about being brave – putting yourself out there.

There are going to be critics. Often, they are scared to do what you're doing.

And they will try to bring you down.

A good example is once I interpreted the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) conference.

This means you're an interpreter who is interpreting for an audience full of interpreters.

This can be incredibly intimidating. Some of are critical about what you do.

But you know what?

I got out there. I did it. I was brave.

And I felt great about doing what I loved and pushing myself to grow.

Many people wouldn't step into that. They'd let the fear stop them.

So, be brave. Do what you love.

And when it comes to critics? Keep in mind that they're not doing it. They're not growing. They're only condemning.

That's not you. You're brave!

Get out there, be confident, and do something to step out of your comfort zone.

I hope you have an amazing day!

Did you know you can manifest a life you love through repeated thoughts?

When I moved to San Antonio last year, I wanted a simple job.

The problem was that I didn't know anyone.

I didn't know the highway system or how to get around.

So I wanted simplicity.

I put out into the universe that I wanted a high school interpreting job, because it's simple.

You go to the same place every day. It's many hours.

As a bonus, as an interpreter in high school, you basically get paid to read because the teachers teach for about 15 minutes, and then you're waiting while students work on their homework for the rest of the period.

I started repeating the thought of a simple job in my head for nine months before I ever got to San Antonio.

I just kept putting it out there again...and again...and again.

When I arrived in San Antonio, however, I was told there was no way I would get a high school position because they've already been filled.

Well, I still had faith.

I met with an agency.

The owner of the agency reached out to a special ed coordinator of a school.

She told them about my skills and experience, and they made a special position just for me.

I had the simple job I wanted!

So, don't believe that you can't have what you want. Don't listen to others.

Keep putting the energy out there to manifest what you would love, because...

You CAN create that.

I hope you have an amazing day!