ASL 101 American Sign Language I

-This course displayed an introduction of American Sign Language. It was the beginning
of developing receptive and expressive skills, and initial exposure to Deaf culture and deaf
individuals.
ASL 102 Visual-Gestural Communication Techniques
-This course demonstrated techniques on how to communicate using visible bodily
actions.
ASL 103 American Sign Language II
-This course is a continuation of ASL I. It demonstrated further competency above the
basic level.
ASL 104 ASL Classifiers
-This course displayed a basic understanding on Classifiers, which are designated
handshapes and/or body used to represent nouns and verbs.
HUD 104 Fingerspelling
-This course demonstrated advancement in fingerspelling, which is a form of sign
language in which individual letters are formed by the fingers to spell out words in a rhythmic
pattern.

ASL 201 American Sign Language III

-This course is a continuation of ASL II and it expands the emphasis on ASL grammar
and vocabulary development, as well as Deaf community and culture. It also gives a more in
depth look to receptive and expressive skills.
ASL 205 Linguistics of American Sign Language
-This course gives a historical overview of social and linguistic events that influences
transformations in ASL.
HUS 101 Community Resources in Human Services
-This course demonstrates on how different types of agencies function. Gave a better
understanding how to work in the real world.

ASL 202 American Sign Language IV

-This course teaches students advanced conversational and discourse skills in American
Sign Language and advanced and fine aspects of American Deaf Culture.
ASL 208 American Deaf Culture & History
-This course taught a variety of events in Deaf history and also expanded on Deaf culture
and their norms.
HUD 105 Interpreting Processes: Theory & Practice
-This course was introduction to interpreting. It demonstrated theories, issues and
expectations when interpreting for Deaf Individuals.
HUS 201 Externship in Human Services
-A 90-hour field placement of the student as an observer-participant in two or more
human service facilities/agencies. The course provides the student with an in depth study of
agencies related to their field of study.

HUD 103 Text/Discourse Analysis for Interpreting

-This course focused on text and discourse analysis, which was detailed examination on
the structure of ASL and English.
HUD 108 Interpreting Process Application in ASL to English
-This course gave a basic skill development on how to interpret from ASL to English.

HUD 106 Interpreting Process Application in English to ASL

-This course gave a basic skill development on how to interpret from English to ASL.
HUD 110 Interpreter Role & Ethics
-This course provided a basic understanding on ethical dilemmas, scenarios and different
case studies. It expanded on the RID CPC, and explored different topics and ideas on how
handle different situations.
HUD 215 Advanced Techniques of Interpreting
-This course provides more in depth skill and technique development in interpreting.

HUD 109 Prevent. Measures against CTD in Interpreting 1

-This course will give an overview on interpreters information and tools that may help
prevent cumulative trauma disorders.

HUD 216 Field Experience in Interpreting

 -This final course will provide 90 hours of interpreting observations and hands on
experience, working in different settings, with different Deaf consumers, under supervision.
Other Experience
Bruce Street School
- Built relationships with deaf or hard of hearing children from pre k to 8th grade. Used
American Sign Language to share stories, teach different subjects, and interact with kids.
Everas Community Services
-Organize files, closets, keys and more. Created recruitment materials for career fairs. Kept
track of inventory.

Deaf Community
-Attended multiple events throughout the community, such as deaf chats, festivals, DNO,
SLAM, dingo and many more.
-Observed many hours of professional interpreters in a variety of settings.

Union County College Sign Club

-Help organize and advertise events, shared creative ideas, and managed and set up
equipment for forums and presentations.

About Melanie
Hello everyone and welcome to my page. My name is Melanie Thomas. I initially became
involved with American Sign Language during my sophomore year of high school. I took it as
my foreign language and fell completely in love with it!

It was clear to me that I wanted ASL to be a part of my life so I decided to pursue it as a career.
Currently, I am attending Union County College for American Sign Language-English
Interpreting. I am in my last semester which is the internship organized with ASLIRS. On my
page, I have attached my web portfolio, resume, contact information and a few other things.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. Thank you for stopping by.

Mission vision in English

When I think about starting my journey as a professional ASL interpreter, I think of the
goals I want to achieve and the things I want to experience. In life, and in general, growing and
learning is essential and unavoidable. With ASL being a passion of mine, its a part of my life
where I want to excel the most. I plan to eventually take the National Interpretation Certification
after working in the field for some time and gaining some real experience. There are so many
different settings to interpret for. Therefore, I would first love to venture out and explore my
options. This way, I can find out which settings I would be most comfortable and effective in.
This job is very rewarding, and I want to feel that way every time I interpret. I made great
friendships throughout this program, and its exciting to be this close to finishing and go out in to
the real world. I dont want to lose my relationships, I want to continue being a supportive friend,
not as a student but as a colleague. Lastly, I want improve ASL signing skills and be as visual as
possible. I know my goals arent hard to conquer and with time, practice and dedication, I will
be successful.

Resources

www.rid.org
The registry of interpreters for the Deaf is a national membership organization, founded in 1964.
RID seeks to promote professionalism, ethics, and standards for American Sign Language
Interpreters. This organization performs an outstanding role in striving for excellence in
interpretation and transliteration.

http://www.nps.k12.nj.us/bru/
Bruce Street School for the deaf is in Newark NJ, and is one of the oldest day programs in
America, providing education for deaf and hard of hearing children from ages 3-15. Students
from neighboring towns and counties are also welcomed.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3DKvZMflFLdOGg2X05vclZIeUk/view

This standard practice paper is about interpreting a religious setting. This involves funerals,
retreats, weddings, mass, counseling and much more. It gives an overview on what to expect,
preparation, materials, and the environment.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-_HBAap35D1R1MwYk9hTUpuc3M/view

Code of Professional Conduct is important in every field. As in interpreter, you will encounter
many ethical dilemmas. The CPC gives detailed insight on professionalism, conduct, and respect
for other individuals. Its important to follow these guidelines so that we can provide an excellent
service.