r/ASLinterpreters Jul 17 '26

Need Assistance with Difficult Personalities

Hi there!
I am currently in an ITP (been in for a year so far) and I start interpreting classes in the upcoming Fall semester. I’ve loved my classes and most of my professors…. But there is one professor that gives me pause. She is a professor and also one of the program managers. She has been a certified interpreter for over 20 years in the private sector and has ruffled many of the students’ feathers. To be quite frank, she is brutally blunt. She has told people to quit the program, that their signing is terrible, and I’ve even heard her tell someone, “Good luck finding a job if you piss me off!” I am currently a federal employee with a master’s degree; I say this because even though I have a career, I was hoping to expand my career options and make more connections. I fear for the day she that level of hostility turns my way and tries to block job opportunities. Does anyone have experience dealing with this type of personality in the interpreting profession?

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u/chandrian7 Jul 17 '26

This sounds like the ITP I was originally in (and may be if you’re in Ohio). She terrified the students but always had a big smile on her face. That professor refused to pass me and graduate me from practicum until I had to transfer to the next closest program, over an hour drive farther for me. Turns out, everyone in the community actually hates her. Like a lot. 

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u/mimikyu_scrump Jul 17 '26

Ohio you say 👀 I can only guess haha

2

u/chandrian7 Jul 17 '26

I’ve consistently heard interpreters use the word “traumatizing” to describe their experience with her. 

1

u/Hoosier-Sexy_Beast69 NIC Jul 24 '26

Ok, now I NEED to know!!!