Perfect Timing Leads to Turner Being First Owens ASL Outstanding Graduate
When Monica Turner graduated from Perrysburg High School, she decided to take a gap year before pursuing a college education.
As it turned out, that gap year was beneficial in many ways. It allowed Turner to determine what she wanted from her future and also helped her timing line up with the introduction of the American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Preparation Program at Owens Community College.
Turner graduated in spring 2025 as the first Owens student to earn an associate degree in the program. She was also recognized as its outstanding graduate.
“I’ve definitely found something in the profession that’s a special interest for me,” Turner said. “If anyone asks me questions, I just ramble because I’m so excited about it.”
In addition to her work in class, Turner participated in extra workshops. She volunteered at a camp for deaf individuals near Grand Rapids, Michigan, an opportunity she’ll participate in again this summer. She also served as a support service provider during a special day at the Columbus Zoo for deaf individuals.
Turner’s introduction to interpreting and the deaf community came during her upbringing, where her church had a deaf community. She said the deaf people were open and welcoming, always laughing and smiling.
Her intention to become a professional interpreter didn’t happen until later, though.
“I looked up to the interpreters,” Turner said. “At first, I wasn’t thinking that I would do it as a profession. As I got closer to graduating high school and had no idea what I wanted to do, I thought maybe I’d do this.”
Having the program at Owens was a perfect situation for Turner. While she was the self-described guinea pig of the program, she credited Owens ASL instructor Anita Coleman with being the best person she could have asked for to lead her through the program.
“When I first joined and started going along in the process, I didn’t realize I would be the first,” Turner said. “I didn’t realize the teaching and program-building aspect of it. I just went in like, ‘Oh, cool, new program!’ It’s definitely been worth it.”
While Turner might not have felt the notoriety of being the first graduate through the program, she definitely took pride in being the person who could help pave the way for future students.
Turner will now head to Wright State University to complete her bachelor’s degree. After that, she is undecided to what she wants to pursue in interpreting. She could “do it all” or specialize in a specific area, such as legal and medical.
With the gravity of the information being relayed in those medical or legal settings, Turner said many interpreters are scared to go into them. While she understands that fear, she’s interested in making an impact and provide accessibility where it’s needed the most.
“I want to be available in settings that are less desirable for interpreters because they’re intimidated by it,” Turner said. “I have a healthy fear of it for sure but I definitely think I can do it.”
Published May 2025