Callie Frye interviews Lily Molina AT Cabrillo
Callie Frye, Daily Moth Reporter: As you can see, we are outside with beautiful views all around us.
[B-roll footage showing views of the Pacific Ocean from the Cabrillo National Monument]
Lily Molina: This is the Cabrillo National Monument.
Callie: The abbreviation is CNM?
Lily: For now, CNM, yes.
Callie: The views are gorgeous. So, what do you do in your daily work here in your internship?
Lily: A lot of things! I provide ASL tours. I’m deaf myself.
Callie: That’s cool!
Lily: I am also learning and doing research on my own. I’m developing a program for tours of the lighthouse and military history here. And of course on San Diego history. This area is significant because it is the first point where the explorer behind me reached here. Then he went on to explore the present-day San Diego area. So he was the first person who reached the West Coast.
Callie: What is his name?
Lily: Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.
[Image of the sign of Cabrillo National Monument.]
Callie: We just walked up here to the lighthouse! Can you tell me a little more about the building?
Lily: Sure. It was built in 1854. That was three years after California became a state. The flag has 48 stars to honor that era.
Callie: So the flag is actually like that?
Lily: Yes, it has 48 stars.
[Image of an U.S. flag with 48 stars]
Lily: Today we have 50 stars for our 50 states. We are honoring the time frame in the 1800’s. A family lived there for 22 years. They combined their home and work lives. The bedrooms are upstairs while the downstairs area has the kitchen and living room. The children either played outside or did their homework inside.
[B-roll of the sweeping ocean views from the lighthouse]
Callie: So, if I wanted to have a role similar to yours with providing ASL tours at CNM or other national parks, what tips or advice would you have for me?
Lily: I started out as a volunteer. I wanted to help out with the park. I live here, I grew up here. So I offered to help as a volunteer. They said “sure” and provided an interpreter without any issues. I volunteered for six months and loved coming here and learning. Then they provided training for me to work part-time. The training only takes 8 hours. I do use a walkie-talkie. I have it on my belt and if it beeps, I will look at my interpreter and they will interpret whatever it says. Then I will respond and have my interpreter voice it. So I know — I’ve been trained on using walkie-talkies. I also know all the codes and what they mean. After that, they made it official with this shirt and hat.
Callie: Really cool. Earlier you mentioned “DOI.”
Lily: Oh yes, DOI, the Department of Interpretation. Does that mean translating sign language?
Callie: Does it?
Lily: No. It means whenever anyone looks at this lighthouse, they may wonder what the significance of it is. Why is it here? That’s my job, also the rangers’ jobs, for us as park employees to know what to do with visitors. They may look at a building and think it’s cool. I will then provide an explanation of the significance, of what the building means to them.
Callie: So you’re making a deep impression.
Lily: Exactly! I’m trying to provide an impact so they understand why this place is valuable and its meaning. So when they leave, they will ponder on this place.
Callie: Thank you so much for the beautiful tour. I really enjoyed learning something new about this place.
Lily: Thank you for coming here! I appreciate the opportunity.
———
[Sponsored video from Convo: www.convorelay.com]
———
Lily: Many people don’t know about the Access Pass. You should get one!
Callie: Yes, I will get it. Is it easy?
Lily: Yes, you can get it here at the park. At the front, you can say, “Hello, I’m deaf.” Or maybe you have a lifetime disability. Then they will give you a card and sign it and you have it forever.
Callie: Lifetime?
Lily: As easy as that.
Callie: So I would have access to this CNM park and all the others?
Lily: Yes, all the National Park Service parks and…
Callie: How many?
Lily: It’s free!
Callie: I mean, how many parks are out there?
Lily: At least 400!
Callie: Wow!
Lily: At least that.
Callie: That’s so cool. I will get that when I leave.
Lily: Yes!
Callie: I’m about to depart, but wait! I’m here at the ranger station. I remembered what Lily said about the Access Pass. I can just let them know that I’m deaf and request an Access Pass. They will give it to me. It’s good for a lifetime. I would have access to over 400 NPS parks all over the U.S. So why not? I’m going to try.
[Video clip showing park employee in an office working on a computer.]
[Image of Callie Frye’s phone note reading, “Hi, I am Deaf. I would like to get access pass. Thanks (smiley face)]
[Video clip showing park employee handing an Access Pass to Callie]
Callie: Yay!