Beyond My Professional Success
By Janet Eckles

"I called to tell you that you passed the test with a high score and we would like to send you to your first assignment tomorrow," explained the company's representative. "It's in the Immigration and Naturalization Court," she continued. "Really?" I asked with a mixture of excitement and fear. Did she say, "Court?" I thought with amazement.

Although I knew I lacked sufficient knowledge, skill or experience, I accepted. I made up my mind not to look inward at my limitations--my blindness, my lack of education in this field or the transportation challenges. I chose to move forward with confidence. But confidence came about only after a road of painful hurdles and emotional detours. My sudden blindness ushered in feelings of fear, frustration and anger. At 32, without any warning, I lost my sight to an incurable retinal disease. In desperation, I turned to God for comfort and direction. In my darkness, I had to learn to "feel" my way around my world. Unable to envision any way to be productive, I felt my life had ended. My only desire was to continue to care for my three small sons This became my focus. I struggled with learning new ways to perform tasks around the house.

A year later when my four-, six-, and eight-year-old sons were in school, God began to open doors for me. With the ability he gave me to speak Spanish, I sought an opportunity to serve as a Spanish interpreter. "I understand you are in need of Spanish interpreters," I boldly asked when I called a worldwide interpreting company. "Yes ma'am, can you come in to take a proficiency test?" asked the receptionist. "A test?" I thought. I hadn't taken a test since my days in college. I had not learned Braille; therefore, a written test was out of the question. "It's a rigorous oral test," she informed me. "We only employ those who have a high score.". "When could I come to take it?" I asked trying to hide my apprehension. During the test, Each utterance to be interpreted increased in length and in difficulty. Because of my blindness, I had no visual distractions but rather, increased concentration.  

I interpreted, to the best of my ability, what I heard in one language to the corresponding words and phrases of the other. What a delight when given the news that I not only passed but was being trusted with my first assignment in the Naturalization and Immigration Court. But transportation presented the first obstacle. So I called the Office of Blind Services for help. They suggested I take mobility training. "Here, this is for you." said the mobility trainer who was sent to be my teacher. "Thanks." I replied before I realized what my hand was touching. "A white cane!" I heaved a pained sigh. When sighted, thoughts of pity would fill my mind when I saw someone walking with this aid. I considered dependence upon a cane a humiliating experience! Walking with a white cane? Me? Only imagining this seemed degrading. I resisted this next step and thus created my own obstacle.  

But the turning point came when I remembered: "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18). Had I chosen to give in to vanity and pride, I would have brought about my own defeat. "Put your fingers around it, like this," my teacher indicated as he placed my hand with the correct holding position. "Now swing it in front of you, slightly tapping it on the ground." With the aid of this white cane, I learned to find steps, doors and elevators. I also found ways to avoid obstacles and to reach my destination safely. The day for my first assignment arrived. "Are you sure you'll be okay?" asked my husband with concern. He kissed me and left me in the waiting area of the courthouse. "Sure." I replied faking confidence. I sat nervously holding onto my white cane, wondering what I had gotten myself into! As fear and anxiety tried to suffocate me, I thought of ways to escape this predicament.

The court clerk approached the waiting area. "Are you the Spanish interpreter?" she asked. Every nerve within me wanted to answer with a resounding, "no," but found myself nodding shyly in the affirmative. Using my cane as a guide, I followed her voice as she helped me to my seat. "Please rise. The Honorable Judge'''" announced the bailiff. The session began. I knew nothing about court interpreting since my undergraduate degree was in Business Administration. My heart pounded as I ventured into the unknown. Somehow I regained my composure and focused on the task at hand. I prayed for wisdom and then concentrated intensely on rendering an interpretation as accurately as I could. The session lasted for what seemed an eternity.  

The judge hit the gavel with a loud clank, "We'll take a 10 minute recess," he announced. "Miss interpreter, please approach the bench," he requested with authority.

With trembling hands, I reached for the bailiff's arm. "Ms. Eckles, I want you to know I am very impressed with the accuracy level of your interpretation" he said with a soft and calm voice. "I speak Spanish myself and you are doing a great job." "Thank you," is all I could mutter. I was shocked at his incredible feedback.

With renewed confidence, I worked diligently at developing my skills, increase my vocabulary and learn all I could about court proceedings. While my sons were in school, I practiced simultaneous interpretation. It took effort and work--lots of hard work. "Ms. Eckles, we have a trial scheduled for next week. We will need your services." Those requests encouraged me and fueled my determination. Letters of admiration and praise from judges and attorneys humbled me with gratitude. But though I delighted in the success of my performance, my goal was to touch those whom I encountered. I longed to demonstrate blindness does not create a disability; instead, it creates a unique ability to utilize creativity, determination and tenacity.

As years swept by, this renewed outlook of my blindness opened more doors. The largest over-the-phone interpretation company offered me a position. But this job brought an added benefit-I could work out of my home office. "We have you scheduled to train a group of interpreters in Panama." informs my manager, and I accepted with confidence. The technology available to me allows me to perform these duties with no obstacles. As I train, teach and coach, I am often pleased to learn I have reached or exceeded the level of performance achieved by my sighted colleagues. Without hesitation, I would emphatically state the most enjoyable aspect of my job lies in the opportunities I have been given to inspire others. The interaction with my colleagues, one of mutual encouragement increases my satisfaction. I believe genuine care, expressed with optimism and a positive attitude reaps benefits that cannot be measured by any amount of monetary compensation.

I recently attended an annual conference hosted by my employer. "And now for the highest award," began the announcement by the VP of Operations. She continued by reading a list of impressive achievements-- the criteria for this prestigious award. I listened with curiosity and admiration for this individual. I, along with all my colleagues waited with anticipation. "And the Professional Excellence Award goes to… Janet Eckles," she announced with enthusiasm. In the midst of a roaring applause, I sat in my chair with mouth open, unable to move. But when someone whispered that my colleagues honored me with a standing ovation, I stood, moved with profound gratitude. That's when I realized success doesn't require climbing a ladder. Or even reach a certain level of professional achievement. But rather, rewards come about when we reach out to those around us.  

I strived to use my abilities to encourage and motivate others to reach their best. The value and meaning in this reward is unsurpassed. Everyone has a ladder to climb. Some climb a ladder to success; others climb out of conflict or pain. The problem with using a ladder is there is room for only one person. It's a lonely journey. But when our focus is on those around us whom we can touch, inspire and motivate. The journey leads us to deeper satisfaction and lasting rewards that reach beyond professional success.

In addition to working full-time as a court Spanish interpreter, Janet Eckles is an inspirational speaker, writer and author of "Trials of Today, Treasuresfor Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life." www.janeckles.com