Remember the Days When...?

When I read Nicole’s bio that was the first cliché I thought of… Remember the days when… interpreters didn’t get paid for working cruises? That’s just how long Nicole’s been working in the cruise industry. WOWZA!

Nicole’s inspiration for becoming an interpreter came after meeting a brother and sister who were Deaf and deciding she wanted to know how to communicate with them. Through self teaching and help from her new friends, and encouragement from her manager, Nicole decided that becoming an interpreter was her calling, and so began her journey. After graduating from college in Minnesota with her AAS in sign language, Nicole made her move to warmer weather in Texas, the place she now calls home with her two Chihuahuas, Lexi & Lola.

For the past 10 years, Nicole has found herself working as a full time freelance interpreter in a variety of settings… college course work, medical, private business, concerts, and festivals, and more… which is what she says she loves most about her job. “I love most all settings. I really love my work and it challenges me every day!” But in addition to all that, Nicole still likes to find time to cruise. Her cruise work has afforded her the opportunities to travel all over the world, including Italy, Spain, France, Greece, the Ukraine, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean. “St. Lucia and Barbados are my favorites,” she says. “There always are people rushing to the Caribbean and [to this day] I still get excited to work [those itineraries]!”

Besides the travel, what Nicole really enjoys about cruises is the variety of people she gets to meet. “I love working cruises [since] I get the opportunity to meet so many great people from across the world, cruisers, ship staff and [other] interpreters.”

While interpreting is certainly a passion for Nicole, there’s another side to this die-hard Vikings fan. Besides cheering on her favorite football team, Nicole enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews. She’s also a history buff, which makes traveling all the more interesting. Music, movies, and comedy entertain Nicole and her friends when they are out an about, and speaking of music… Nicole plays the clarinet and hopes to play in the community orchestra! Her musical inspiration? Michael Jackson! Well, not quite. But she did tell me a funny story that involved her childhood Michal Jackson poster… you’ll have to ask her! ;-)

What I find particularly refreshing about Nicole is her connection to other, not just in her work but in her personal life; she has a genuine appreciation for others. When I asked her if she could spend 24 hours with anyone, anywhere, Nicole said she’d like to spend that time with her late uncle Thomas, cruising through the Arizona desert is his beloved jeep, maybe with a scoop of ice cream, all while she soaks up his stories and wisdom.    

It’s clear to anyone why Nicole is so loved amongst her friends and family and why she’s so highly regarded in her profession. When I need a little advice, Nicole is one of a select group of people I know I can count on for her professionalism and skill. Her smile is infectious, her wit is unmatched, and her charisma is authentic. Not to mention, she always makes me laugh. If you ever have the good fortune of meeting Nicole, I have no doubt she will have the same affect on you. 

THANK YOU, NICOLE! CareVacations appreciates all you do!