05/21/2021
Did you know senior Emily Pacheco helped to found Framingham State’s first American Sign Language (ASL) Club on campus? During her time in ASL Club, she served as secretary and just finished her term as president. Emily is an American Sign Language major with a concentration in ASL-English Interpreting and is today’s 2021 Senior Spotlight!
Emily chose to attend FSU because it was the only university to offer ASL/Interpreting close to home. She said, “It really was amazing that FSU launched their 4-year interpreting program when I graduated high school” because of the affordable prices and close proximity to home.
Pacheco stayed busy during her time at FSU, participating in a range of University organizations and activities. She traveled to Memphis, Tennessee her freshman year as part of Alternative Spring Break and worked to revamp ASB to Explore 2 Serve. Pacheco also worked for the New Student and Family Programs office as a Black and Gold Orientation Leader, Wet Feet Retreat Leader, and Peer Mentor.
One of her fondest memories includes the first bake sale for ASL Club. “We all worked so hard and were amazed by the donations students made and how everyone came together to make baked goods,” said Pacheco. “I will never forget that day - we made over $500! I think that is a record for bake sale profits at FSU! It felt so good to see everyone come together and for new students and faculty to stop by our table and learn more about ASL.”
Emily credits FSU’s close-knit and supportive community for making her feel “so welcomed and empowered” to achieve her goals as a student leader.
After graduation, Emily will work in Rhode Island as an ASL Interpreter Coordinator. She is also pursuing her credentials and licensure to become a working interpreter in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Pacheco said she feels “very prepared” for life after graduation. “The ASL program is amazing and has been very encouraging in my transition to life after graduation,” said Pacheco.
Like many other graduating seniors, Emily will miss her professors and being a student leader and hopes to apply the skills she has learned at Framingham State into her career.
Pacheco would like to thank Bruce Bucci, Luce Aubry, and Irma Kahle for “all their hard work in the ASL/Interpreting courses and making my senior year an amazing one despite being remote through it all!”
Congratulations, Emily!