Debra Donson

Debra finished her M.A. in Linguistics (TESOL option) in Spring 2001.

What is your current job? How did you find it?

I currently work as an LA Superior Court Spanish Interpreter. After completing undergraduate studies in Spanish, I heard about the need for court interpreters and began a certificate program in interpretation/translation.          .

What was helpful about the education you received in the program?

I found the program to be challenging, practical, interesting, supportive, and applicable. The dedicated professors provided a balance of real world & theory in the classroom.  The things I learned at CSULB continue to inform how I perform and view my role as a court interpreter.

.What was your most memorable moment as a student?

Feeling encouraged by my professor to articulate that moment of discovery when I suddenly had a linguistic epiphany in the middle of a class presentation.

Any advice for current students?

Take and enjoy every opportunity to talk to fellow students about their languages.

(updated April 2013)