I
am a child of the internet. I grew up in a time where the entire world’s
information has been at my fingertips. It is one of man’s greatest feats---to
internalize all information and make it accessible. If used correctly, the
internet can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life. On the World Wide
Web, one can gain valuable information and insights that can help someone
become more vocationally successful, make better life choices, and help
progress one’s goals. For example, the popular video website, YouTube, has
helped launch thousands of careers and been integral in changing the lives of
people who watch online videos. People can post educational videos on
everything from fixing a leaky faucet to how to play the piano. There are many
different ways a student can utilize the internet effectively. However, if you
aren’t careful, the Internet can have drawbacks and may end up damaging your
educational career. It is all about looking for the best and most accurate
information. One must be open and willing to learn how to use the Internet, in
order to advance.
After
trying so long to decide a major at my current college, I finally decided on
Sign Language Interpretation and, later, Women’s Ministries. This has been a
wonderful fit since my passion lies in sign language and my want to share God
with others. My majors are teaching me to be a woman with integrity,
compassion, and perseverance. They are teaching me to not give up and keep on
fighting for what I believe in. Since starting the programs, I have seen myself
grow spiritually, but I have also learned to be a more empathetic, caring
person more attentive to the needs of others. I have found that I want to help
people in any way I can, but mostly in a way that glorifies God. While I am excited for the opportunity to
pursue my passions, I knew they would require a lot of work. I do not just want
to pass, I want to excel and stand out from the other students. The classes
that I take range from Math to Bible Doctrines to Educational Interpreting, plus
many in between.
Regardless
of the class, the Internet has been there to help guide my understanding of the
presented material for any particular class. For example, when it comes to the
sign language classes, I have used a website called handspeak.com to look up
signs that I do not know and to find resources that I can use, in order to
learn about the history of sign language and the Deaf culture. Without these
resources, I would never have known what the Deaf culture consisted of and how
to approach the Deaf world. I have also used the Internet to research various
methods on how to approach the vast spectrum of sign language and the various
ways that one can interpret. An interpreter must always remember the person
they are interpreting for first. One has to take heed of the individuality of
Deaf people and use signs that they are accustom to or have grown up with.
Using handspeak.com and other various resources, I have been able to increase
my vocabulary and understanding of words in ASL. Along with differences in
words, Sign language operates under a completely different set of grammatical
rules. Whenever I am having trouble understanding this, I being to research and
read articles that different interpreters have published on how to correctly
use syntax, how to use correct facial expressions, or how to use subject/verb
agreement in the context of correct grammatical sign language structure (just
for some examples). I also try to dive into stories from those who have been
interpreting for a period of time. I want to know their experiences. I want to
build upon my knowledge and understanding of what it means to be an
interpreter. I also make a point to study the stories of those who have chosen
to glorify God in through their work, as this is something I am striving to do.
My
want to show God in my work and life led me to take on the Women’s Ministries
major. I have researched methodologies on how to help women who have come to me
seeking help and guidance. One of the most important things I have learned is
that different situations require different responses. For example, if the
woman has suffered some type of abuse, it may be inappropriate and unhelpful to
just say “I know how you feel.” One must learn how to actively listen, to be
compassionate, and maybe even provide personal testimony about how one overcame
a similar obstacle, if and only if it applies to the situation. I have also
tried to find personal testimonies from women who have grown, emotionally and
spiritually, due to the help of another woman. I have also actively tried to
find devotionals or studies to use for various groups, depending on age,
marital status, abuse situations, or those struggling with faith. Just as a
sign language interpreter must cater to each person they interpret for, one
must cater to different situations and group types when it comes to ministry.
One must use the best material for each different situation. For example, I personally
am doing a devotion called Seeking Him: A Personal Revival. This particular
material would be ideal for women who yearn to serve God more, but may also be struggling
with their personal faith. However, if my group was a group of teenagers, a
different devotional would be used that would fit their age and lifestyle.
I
have deeply researched the possibilities my majors could open up for me. I have
looked at many Christian camp websites and tried to determine on how my degree
would help in that area. Most of all, I have used an online Bible website to
look up verses that deal with a particular topic. For example, if a woman
wanted to serve God more and love God more, I would look up everything that
dealt with that and give them to the woman. Psalms 25:4-5 says, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my
hope is in you all day long.” This isn’t the only verse that may deal
with this topic, but it may be best. No matter what I do, the Internet has been
a constant companion.
The internet has only
aided my quest for higher education. I am well versed on how to use the
internet and have learned how to be safe doing so. I have learned how to
identify safe and valid sources. I make sure I can trust the website before I use
or pass on any information. I am extremely cautious about what I take in and
practice and what I “throw away.” I don’t just accept the information that is
provided, but I do my research to make sure it is true.
I am a child of the
internet. I grew up in a time when all the information in the world has been at
my fingertips. The impact access to the internet has had on my life and
educational pathway in insurmountable. I use it to accompany my academic
endeavors, further my educational prospects, and clarify hard to understand
topics. I realize and appreciate the value of the internet and the convenience
it has provided, not only to me, but to the greater world around me. While the
internet has its drawbacks and can be negative, I have been able to use it to
grow spiritually by reading inspiring articles and have grown mentally by
learning how to overcome and critically work through any problem I encounter.
The Internet has also helped me to go into extended depth to learn more about
the subject and to put myself ahead of the game. I work hard at everything I
do. I have never given anything less that my absolute best and will do anything
to distinguish myself from those just trying to get by. I will tell you one
thing. My education doesn't end here and I promise, the Internet will continue
to be a highly integral and beneficial player as I advance in my classes, move
further ahead in my education, and work to pursue my career.
