Determination can be the key to a new career. Just ask Jennifer Doerr, a staff interpreter working exclusively in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Jennifer calls interpreting for the veterinary classes "the biggest challenge I've ever had."
"The level of information, vocabulary and medical terminology are challenging and the expectations for students are very high," Jennifer said.
Jennifer graduated from the two-year interpreter training program at Lansing Community College in 1992.
She had done a practicum at OPHS, observing experienced interpreters, while a student at LCC. Determined, she convinced Donna Leahy to let her interpret one class to gain more experience and hone her interpreting skills.
For a year after graduating from LCC, she interpreted in an Olivet kindergarten class in the mornings and at MSU in the afternoons. Then she began her studies at MSU in elementary education, finishing her degree in the summer of 1995.
Jennifer plans to stay with the veterinary school for the next four years. During this period of time she will be studying for both the written and performance portions of the RID (a national certification for interpreters).
When Jennifer is not interpreting for the veterinary school or tutoring in LCC's interpreting program, she enjoys a variety of activities.
Married three years to a drummer, Jennifer spends many evenings and weekends attending her husband's gigs.
Although they don't yet have children, Jennifer and her husband are raising two cats, Cisco and Zig.
Jennifer enjoys outdoor activities during the summer such as camping and jogging outside, but makes do with running inside during the winter.
Ideally, Jennifer would like to become a teacher of interpreters, sharing her love of the profession with others who want to become interpreters.