Time for a blog to get personal (only a little bit, don’t worry).
I am a massive introvert. Specifically, a social introvert.
This means that I struggle in unknown environments with people I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s a fear of judgement or a need to be liked, but there is a certain amount of anxiety and discomfort in unfamiliar situations and people. Having someone I know with me is like a lifeline that keeps me grounded. Sometimes this anxiety has gotten so bad that I am too anxious to answer the phone if I don’t know who’s ringing.
Despite all this, I still want to be an interpreter. This seems really bizarre, considering that interpreting generally consists of meeting new people in new environments every day. Why make life easy for yourself, eh?
So how do I cope with the knowledge that one day I will need to put myself in situations that I KNOW will make me uncomfortable?
20% avoidance and 80% acceptance.
80% of me know that forcing myself into these situations will eventually improve my anxiety – jumping in at the deep end, I guess! I am also lucky enough to have studied drama for six years, so I have developed a knack for faking it ‘til I make it.
20% avoidance. I’m not an Interpreter yet, so it’s not something I need to even think about right now. Worrying about things that haven’t happened yet is truly an unnecessary use of time.
So the question is, why? Why put yourself in these situations? Because the underlying passion for BSL and the sense of belonging in the community means that you have to put aside anxieties and insecurities in order to progress. So even if you’re feeling anxious or nervous, take a deep breath and go for it!
by Alice Taylor
