Kierstin Delk
My practicum has strengthened my confidence and real-time decision-making as an interpreter. With my mentor’s guidance and feedback, I’ve grown both professionally and personally.
Practicum Place of Work: Rochester Institute of Technology, Department of Access Services
Role
I am completing my practicum at RIT in the Department of Access Services on the computer science and business team. I attend weekly manager, student development, and core team meetings, and interpret classes alongside my mentor to gain hands-on experience in academic interpreting and professional collaboration.
How has practicum helped you grow as an interpreter?
My practicum has strengthened my confidence and real-time decision-making as an interpreter. With my mentor’s guidance and feedback, I’ve grown both professionally and personally. Observing VRS, K–12, and medical settings also has broadened my understanding of diverse interpreting contexts and challenged my assumptions beyond the classroom.
What has been your most meaningful moment in the program so far?
My most meaningful moment was completing a pro bono assignment for a Black-centered event, where the consumer expressed excitement at seeing a Black interpreter. It reaffirmed my purpose—to provide representation and foster connection—and highlighted the importance of visibility and cultural understanding in interpreting.
Your “aha” moment in practicum?
Seeing my typically stoic consumer laugh at a professor’s joke I interpreted was especially meaningful.
Three words to describe your practicum?
Challenging. Rewarding. Transformative.
