Hi!
This is a fairly frequent request so decided to post vlog on it this time. Here is an abbreviated outline of questions and responses:

1. Training?
HS, UW, SCC, ongoing DOIT Legal program
2. Why decide to become a terp?
Just happened…unplanned ;o) Mentors and teachers and Deaf community encouraged me
3. Testing certification experience?
See vlogs, RID can be challenge to work with but need certs
Jump through hoops: professionalism
If don’t pass, learn more and retake
4. Advice/tips for improving?
Show up,
Be a positive person, add value to interactions
Find mentor..take notes when teaming
Take notes post-assignment and do self-assessment, learn from your mistakes, video yourself and analyze
Immersion experiences
Open to feedback
Get credentialed
Pay taxes
Diversify sources of income
Financial flexibility (non-profit orgs)
Refine concepts, research (in person/online), learn from others work: teaming/CDIs , interactions with Deaf community
5. Dynamic equivalence?
ASL to English
General fluency (ASL and English)
Exposure to variety of speakers, topics, ways of talking about subjects
Feedback about what works/doesn’t work
CDIs
6. Most Challenging?
Physical stamina/impacts of regular life and signing a lot
Fighting to be paid
Proving this is a financially viable job
Continually contracting/paperwork
Inconsistent work load…times without work
Balancing family life and “on call” work
Long term finances…retirement? Health benefits? Sick leave?
Traveling/driving
Ethics esp. with terps who do not have training
Technical aspects: communication is complex, variety of language users etc…
7. Fav part?
People, learning new things, traveling, independence, flexible schedule, signing/the creative process
8. Wish knew before became terp?
Importance of contracts
Social services job
Business/entrepreneurial aspects: self employed
Politics/ Deaf comm., boards, agencies, state orgs
ADA access challenges ongoing
VRI: poor service, impact on work
Amt of travel
Physically taxing
9. Daily methods for being calm?
Focus on the work. Drink water, give extra travel/parking time, get a good method for scheduling/calendar system, bring snacks, stretch, stay humble and admit mistakes and repair
10. Settings?
All
11. Other thoughts?
I love interpreting! Very rewarding job ;oD