CFCC Graduate Spotlight: Elizabeth Hare
Elizabeth Hare was pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at UNCW when she realized a need for interpreters. During her sophomore year, she met a deaf person dependent on their parents to help interpret in the hearing world. “There’s no advocacy or support for the deaf community and interpreting, and I’m a bit too outspoken to just sit there and watch it happen,” Hare said. “That’s what pushed me into this special education program.” After earning her degree at UNCW, Hare enrolled in CFCC’s Interpreter Education program.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CFCC?
I was interested in being a sign language interpreter and already had a bachelor’s degree, so the two-year program worked perfectly for me. I had lived in Wilmington, NC for over four years during my time at UNCW and was familiar with the area. The program was very affordable compared to other universities.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION FROM CFCC?
I plan to attend Radford University’s Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing graduate program. I also plan to pursue state interpreting certification and prepare for the National Interpreter Certification (NIC).
SPECIAL MEMORIES ABOUT CLASS AND INSTRUCTORS?
The Interpreter Education program will always hold a special place in my heart. We are a tight-knit group of students and professors. Our professors are experienced professionals who have a wide network of colleagues that frequently present in class and offer support and opportunities for us students. Other opportunities included interpreting via Zoom for a Deaf president at a liberal arts college under the supervision and support of Professor Jennifer Boyd.
The Program Director, Joy Schultz, is responsible for the program’s success. Joy teaches ASL courses in the Interpreter Education program at CFCC while also teaching ASL at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. As a professional that is Deaf, she is a native user of ASL and can offer a unique perspective on Deaf culture as well. A successful ASL teacher Bill Vicars says,
“Learning to sign without interacting with Deaf people is like learning to swim without water.”
PRAISE FROM HER INSTRUCTOR
“It has been a joy to have Liz in my American Sign Language classes for the past two years, where she showed to be a true ally for the Deaf community. Liz goes beyond learning just the language, as she shows respect for the culture and language through her classwork assignments,” shares CFCC Interpreter Education Program Director Joy Schultz. “It takes a great heart and commitment to become an interpreter, and Liz has that, as she channels both worlds (hearing and deaf) with skills, ease, and confidence.”
