On May 16, 2025, Katie Godwin will walk across the stage at Troy University’s commencement ceremony, not only as a trained interpreter but as a testament to perseverance, resilience and heart. A graduate of the Interpreter Training Program, Godwin’s story is one of early passion, unexpected detours and a powerful return to her calling. 

Godwin’s interest in sign language began in the fourth grade. By high school, she knew she wanted to become an interpreter but was hesitant to pursue it due to shyness and self-doubt. After marrying young, she stepped away from her college plans, thinking that her dream might stay in the past. 

Then life took an even more unexpected turn. During pregnancy, Godwin was diagnosed with eosinophilic fasciitis, an extremely rare autoimmune disorder with only a few hundred documented cases worldwide. The condition caused widespread inflammation, severe pain and significant physical limitations—including difficulty using her hands and arms. The recovery was long and uncertain. 

“I was so upset. I was only 21 and I felt like my life was over,” she said. “But I told myself, if I get better, I’m going to go do that thing I was scared to do. And I’m not just going to do it—I’m going to do it well.” 

And she did. After five years of treatment, Godwin achieved remission in May 2023. She returned to school with a renewed fire to become an interpreter—not just for herself, but to serve others who, like her, had felt isolated, misunderstood or unseen. Her personal experience with disability gave her a deeper empathy and a passion for accessibility, particularly for the Deaf and rare disease communities. 

That determination and heart were recently recognized at the College of Education Honors Convocation, where Godwin was named the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Interpreter Training. It was a moment that honored her academic excellence, leadership and growth—both personal and professional. 

In addition to her academic success, she has also made a name for herself in the state professional community. She currently serves as the student representative for the Alabama Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ALRID), a two-year position that gives her a seat at the table during board meetings and allows her to bridge connections between students and the broader interpreting field. She has coordinated events such as a tailgate on campus, a group outing to a baseball game and a recent student workshop that introduced peers to the field of interpreting. 

At TROY, Godwin found more than just technical training. 

“My biggest takeaway from the program is that you will find your sense of community,” she said. “I’ve never felt more welcomed, loved and accepted. Everyone is excited to support you. You just have to be willing to show up, meet people and give it your all.” 

Godwin now plans to pursue community interpreting with interests in mental health and Deaf Blind interpreting. Her goal is to earn national certification and continue growing as a professional while serving her home state of Alabama. 

She credits much of her success to the faculty and mentors who supported her throughout her time at TROY. She expressed deep appreciation for Yvonne Sankey, Beverly Hanyzewski and Judy L. Robertson —three educators who made lasting impacts on her journey. 

Judy Robertson, Director of the Interpreter Training Program said, “Katie is the kind of student every program hopes for—driven, determined, and deeply committed to both her education and serving the Deaf community. Her passion and perseverance have left a lasting impression, and it has been a true honor to teach her over the past few years.”