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.

Are you stuck and feel like you've hit a growth plateau?

It happens—either we continue to find ways to grow and evolve, or we don't...and we find ourselves stuck in a rut.

As a sign language interpreter, there are five certification levels.

I got my first.

I got my third, which is advanced.

Then I hit a plateau and I felt like I wasn't growing anymore.

So I started doing video relay, which is interpreting phone calls. It's very difficult, but believe me, you bump up your skills.

When I plateaued on that, I became a court interpreter.

Every time in my life when I feel like I've hit a plateau, I've looked for ways to grow and learn.

This keeps my mind stimulated, and keeps me from feeling stuck.

Think about in your life where you've felt stuck, where you've become complacent.

Where is an opportunity for you to grow?

It could be by reading a book or taking a class. 

Let's continue to expand our minds and lives so we don't get stuck.