Classrooms turned into career hubs during Chinook Middle School’s 7th-Grade Career Expo. Representatives from the FAA, Port of Seattle, City of Burien, Virginia Mason, Puget Sound Skills Center and more shared what it’s like to work in their industries.
Students moved through stations, asked questions, explored interests and imagined their future paths.
During the day, one presentation stood out.
American Sign Language (ALS) interpreter Jahmeca Osborne — better known as Ms. J — didn’t just talk about her job. She shared her journey.
Ms. J grew up in Cincinnati with no deaf family and no early exposure to sign language. She was studying computer programming when one class changed everything. The class introduced her to ALS — and sparked a lifelong passion.
She explained that interpreters don’t just translate. ASL has its own grammar and structure.
“It’s like saying ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ versus ‘it’s raining hard,’” she told students. “You have to understand the meaning—not just the words.”
Ms. J owns her own interpreting business and works with Highline Public Schools when ALS interpreting services are needed.
Her career has taken her from classrooms to cruise ships, Broadway, Coachella, the Grammys red carpet—and even to interpreting for Presidents Obama and Biden. What’s next for Ms. J? Kendrick Lamar and SZA at Climate Pledge Arena.
She also talked about the power of reading. That love of reading helped her become fluent in ASL — and confident expressing herself, even without speaking aloud.
“Books help me build my vocabulary,” she said. “It’s like watching a movie. I connect with the characters. I get excited to keep reading.”
Students were all in. “How long does it take to become an interpreter?” one asked.
Ms. J said it typically takes two years to earn an associate degree, plus more time to build fluency. She even shared a video of herself interpreting for Tyler the Creator.
She encouraged students — especially students of color and young men — to explore the field. Diversity is needed, she said, and the field is wide open for those willing to learn. She recommended joining Chinook’s ASL Club as a first step.
Ms. J’s final message was clear: with passion, persistence and a love of reading, students can write their own futures.