For Mercer Island High School Junior Ross Showalter, a good interpreter is key to his academic and social success.
Over the years, he has had several.
Yet, Showalter, who is deaf, is now going on his third year working with Charnell Bolger, 51, who has been working as an interpreter for 19 years.
It is working out well for both of them.
Bolger is in her 10th year with the Mercer Island School District, a job she loves. She works exclusively with Showalter, who says she “kicks his butt sometimes.”
“I have good days and bad days,” Showalter said. “But she makes me feel accepted. I’ve learned how to take things in stride.”
Showalter is a good student, as was Bolger’s last student, who is now a junior at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in audiology sciences. Bolger said the student gets “amazing grades.” She said most deaf students here come into the district with really sharp English skills because most attend a specialized school for the deaf first.
Bolger pays close attention not only to the person whose words she must convey but to her student. “After a while, they get so exhausted,” she said. She wears black or dark colors every day because her hands show up better that way. The contrast between the dark clothing and her hands makes it easier on her student’s eyes.
She also worries that Showalter will get bored.
Her studies in theater help her with signing because an interpreter needs to be expressive, she explained. That is part of the reason she doesn’t bore Showalter.
Bolger grew up on Whidbey Island, graduating from Langley High School before studying psychology at Azusa Pacific in California. She earned her interpreting certification from Cal State Northridge. She stays on the cutting edge with continuing education through Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., a prestigious school of predominantly deaf educators.
She also does some tutoring. With her theater background, Bolger has also interpreted for ACT Theater in Seattle, and she has directed musicals for the middle school’s drama program. She has also coached girl’s basketball at the high school here and has done interpreting for churches and institutions of higher education. Bolger has participated in the Deaf Expo Seattle and other outreach efforts.
When Showalter graduates next year, Bolger hopes to step into the same role with another student, because that is what she does best.”
“I enjoy helping people understand what’s going on,” she said. “I love the creative nature of the language. To be able to speak to someone with my hands and expressions so they can be present in the conversation is rewarding.”
