I was always driven to international communication and had a strong interest in foreign languages, German in particular. My parents liked numerous outdoor activities, which also had an appeal to me and would help me in finding my career. Trying to overcome communicative inadequacy, I worked as a salesperson as a teenager, temporarily studied in Berlin, worked as a climbing instructor, which ultimately led me to me becoming an interpreter.
When I was a child, I was shy and reserved talking to people. Yet I was quick at learning German and liked traveling. My parents frequently took me on hiking trips that always appealed to me. I had a dream of working as a US ambassador to Germany, like Kelly Craft depicted in the picture (What does a U.S. representative to the U.N. do?). Yet my parents dissuaded me from pursuing a political career because of poor communicative skills. They reasoned that I would not be able to make the necessary connections to present myself adequately.
However, my mastery of German was apparent, and I wanted to use it in my future job. Friends advised me to work in New Jersey as a salesperson since there are numerous resort towns over there and they are frequently visited by foreigners. When I was sixteen, I spent a summer working in a fruit store, like the one in the picture (New Jersey Produce Increases Exposure). Indeed, I have met a large number of tourists, yet I still had to overcome my conversational anxiety.
I knew I had to manage my fears, but I wanted to immerse myself in a foreign setting as it was promoted as the most efficient means of developing as a language speaker. When I was in university, I applied for an international educational program, which required participants to study in Berlin for six months. The first month in Germany was difficult for me, and even my linguistic competencies did not alleviate the obstacles in communication.
The turning point for me was meeting a couple of German friends who liked English. They were also fond of climbing, which correlated with my childhood hitchhiking experiences. When I returned to the US, I became an instructor at a climbing gym similar to the one depicted in the picture (Welcome to The Wall). There I met climbers who were acquaintances of my German friends. They wanted to explore the Yosemite National Park but required a person who would help translate and help them manage in the area.
After spending time with me, they recommended me as an interpreter to their friends. I quit working at the climbing gym, and now I make a full-time living as an interpreter to foreign groups of climbers and tourists who want to travel the US. At the same time, I continue to climb as a hobby. Although I still have some insecurities approaching unknown people, I am overall more confident and enthusiastic about new experiences.
Altogether, the transformation of my desire from being a diplomat to an interpreter taught me that it is essential to strive for my desires no matter the limiting circumstances. While I did not become an ambassador, I learned that having some deficiency, which was communicative in my case, should not discourage anyone from pursuing a dream. Even if the initial goal is not achieved, a different position that suits personal needs will emerge. In my case, I had to work as a salesperson, start climbing in Germany, work as a climbing instructor in the United States to arrive at my current job of being an interpreter.
Works Cited
“What does a U.S. representative to the U.N. do?” U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom, Web.
“New Jersey Produce Increases Exposure.” Produce Business Magazine. 2016, Web.
“Welcome to The Wall.” Indoor Rock Climbing & Bouldering in San Diego, Web.