Another year has gone by and whilst some things unfortunately stay the same there has been one major change for me…from TSLI to RSLI status! A great Christmas present.
My aim was to qualify earlier but thanks to the pandemic gaining face to face video evidence was impossible. All of my essays were completed and earlier this year finally finished collecting video evidence. The advantage to taking longer meant more time gaining experience as a TSLI rather than a quick qualification and jump in two feet first.
Although my family life is still in tatters, I can proudly say that my eldest daughter and I completed our studies at the same time ; a BA honours and RSLI and my youngest daughter also passed her driving test. As for her education I hope she returns to what she wanted to study. Three cheers for the Andrews ladies, life in recent years has been a challenge.
I’ve found my niche role, the perfect job; self-employed, working remotely from home with two main clients which involves working with the wider deaf community via them. I love my job, it’s interesting and no two days are the same. Long working days – love it; fills a void and I am an independent lady and answerable to no one.
I’ve also worked in theatre rehearsal, a music festival, meetings, subtitling, pre-recorded video interpreting projects heritage, community work and medical appointments.
Having RSLI status means I can expand my work with my client into interpreting legal and mental health meetings which I am looking forward too. This has been a frustration this year as there were times I was need but couldn’t undertake the work, but we planned ahead and worked around it as I am one of two interpreters in her team. I wouldn’t cross the boundary and my client understood and respected that.
The choir has reached 13 years. We have been out performing a couple of times this season. We are still rehearsing remotely; it works well and was great way keeping everyone together through the pandemic. I do miss the real-life rehearsals , maybe 2023 will see a change?
Once again, I met with FC and delivered gifts to children at the local deaf club. Our way of giving back to the community – one good turn deserves another.
Here’s hoping 2023 is as successful as 2022.I’ve got plans that I am excited to get started on.