STEPHANIE NOGUERAS
We had the pleasure to interview this amazing upcoming
deaf actress and got to know a little bit more about her personal life and
career. Stephanie has great personality and
always so humble and nice to give us so much attention for our little
“Switched at Birth” community. Here it is: (BT=Bemmett Times SN= Stephanie
Nogueras)
BT: We saw on your bio
that your parents are hearing, but they raised you in the deaf community, what
was your biggest challenge as a deaf kid in a hearing family?
SN: In
case you do not know, I am a Puerto Rican-American. For every occasion, my
family loves to spend time together to have a good time. They talk fast
fluently in Spanish/English back and forth. I always miss good conversations
every time they laugh which I loathe the most because I wanted to know what is
go on and get involved with them. It can be frustrating. However, they do not
know American Sign Language to interpret for me. Other than that, I am grateful
to have my parents, sister, few of my relatives know how to communicate with me
in sign language. From the bottom of my heart, that means so much to me because
it does make me feel like a part of family.
BT: When did you first
decide you wanted to become an actress or model?
SN:
During the college years, after the modeling competition I decided to be a
model. Several photographers enjoyed using my hair for photos, which was fun.
After a little while, I searched for more. I moved to California to pursue a
career in modeling. Unfortunately, not many opportunities for petite models in
Los Angeles. In the fashion industry has height requirements for models which
is 5’8 or above. I simply thought that is ridiculous because petite models are
also beautiful. I moved on to other options and there is Switched at Birth. You
see, acting chose me. I got an opportunity to audition for the role of
Natalie. The results were my natural instincts and ability won the Producers
over. That is what you call a lucky break or a blessing. (BT: Lucky us that got to see you on the screen of SAB!!)
BT: Is there any
particular interesting story of your childhood you would like to share with us?
SN: An
interesting story of my childhood... ballet. Oh, I miss that. Here is a story, when I was a little girl;
around 5 years old, I started dancing ballet with all hearing ballerinas. I was
focused all the time because I fell madly in love with ballet. My main goal was
be a professional ballerina. I enjoyed dancing all through years until I had a
car accident. I was not dancing for few years. One day, my mother decided
taking me to the audition at the Rock School for Dance Education in
Philadelphia. The Rock School for Dance Education is one of the nation's top
pre-professional training programs. Even I reminded her that I did not dancing
Ballet for a few years due to the car accident. Yet, I went for audition with all
hearing ballerinas. I was nervous and looked at all professional ballerinas.
They looked nicely and quietly looked at me as a deaf girl. They might wonder
how could I hear music. I tried my best and danced away in front of a
professor. In few weeks later, I got a call that I made it! My parents told me
that I have two choices, between the Rock School for Dance and Maryland School
for the Deaf. I had to make a difficult decision after a long thinking. My
final decision was Maryland School for the Deaf. My family and I moved to
Maryland till I graduated from Maryland School for the Deaf. Throughout years,
I still look back and miss ballet. I save tutus, body wears, childhood ballet
slippers, and pointe shoes in the box ever since. (BT: After that we wonder why wasn’t she on the dance
episode?)
BT: What was your favorite job (apart from SAB) and why?
SN:
Teaching American Sign Language because I love seeing clients get excited and
motivated to communicate. (BT: Can we be your student? :-))
BT: What would be your
dream role or modeling opportunity?
SN: All
I wanted to be a good role model and be an inspiration to the Deaf/Hearing
people around the world. That might be a long shot but one day there will be
more opportunities for petite models.
BT: What kind of projects would you like to get involved with?
SN: I would like to help Deaf schools for the better
education & to educate hearing families of deaf child about deafness around
the world. Other countries are completely different than here, they are
struggling which is sad. I could not stand to think about what the hearing
parents went through with a deaf child or a deaf child went through with them.
Here, USA, is definitely spoiled, Deaf Americans should be grateful for having
technology, interpreters, and education better than nothing. It is a lot of
work but I am willing to do it! (BT: That is a lot, but
when helping people all effort is valid)
BT: We know you have a boyfriend, but for the fans, what do you look for in
a man?
SN: A
sense of humor, loving, supportive, loyal, and protective. (BT: Awww..Lucky Daniel)
BT: Have you ever done anything crazy for a friend? What? Why?
SN: Last
year, I was (STILL) new to skiing. I am not sure how many Puerto Rican
Americans ski. Haha. I believe I am the first person in the entire family to
ski? Anyway, Ryan (Lane aka Travis) and Daniel (Durant aka Matthew) encouraged
me to go with them. I thought they will take me to the area for beginner
but…they actually took me to the black diamond area! You have no idea how much
terrified I was when I saw downhill. My legs were shaking. I had to do it for
them. Ryan and Daniel completely believed in me and rooted for me all the way,
which was nice of them and I thank them for that but I fell down several times,
flew off through the tree, and grabbed the branch at the same time. It made me
go swirl then hit the ground. Thankfully, I wore helmet. It took me like 3
hours and a half to get all the way down to the finish line! My body was so
sore next day and for few days! I walked like a zombie! Again, thank you Ryan
and Daniel for your patience with me!!
BT: Let’s play favorites:
What is your favorite:
Food?
SN:
Puerto Rican food!
BT: Sport?
SN:
Swimming & tennis
BT: Hobby?
SN:
Photography
BT: Color?
SN:
Purple
BT: Book?
SN: Five
People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
BT: Film?
SN: Rio
&Avatar
BT: Place to go?
SN:
France & some islands of Caribbean
About SAB:
BT: How did you feel when you got notified you got the role on SAB and how
did it effect your life?
SN: I was shocked and completely surprised. My skin
got goose bumps all over and rushed memories at once on my mind. It was like
too good to be true but it happened because it was my first acting job. It
affected my life in good ways. It made me believe in myself and gained my
self-esteem. Today, I am more determined and motivated than ever.
BT: In the beginning, Natalie was a rebel, she gave Bay a hard time and
then she planned to take over the school with Daphne so is Natalie planning
another rebellion either with someone or for something?
SN: I feel
that Natalie try her best to get along with hearing students as possible
because of Bay. I am sure she is definitely concerned now.
BT: It is too soon for the
viewers to know what will happen to Matthew, but how do you think Natalie
should take sides? The friend that is making the mess (Matthew) and the friend
who reported him to the school authorities (Emmett) It is a tough decision for
any teenager on which friend will she support, right?
SN: Yes,
it is not easy because you grew up with this person. You do not want to see
this person get in trouble because you care about friendship. At the same time,
you do not want to put yourself in that position to get trouble. It is a sticky
situation.
BT: What would you like to see Natalie involved with or doing on the show?
SN: I
would love to see Natalie to get involved with LGBT community to see her
passion and support. And, Natalie should hang out with Bay more often since
they are friends now. Switched at Birth fans should to get know Natalie more. (BT: YESSS, we so want Natalie and Bay scenes, they are
so good as friends and so funny to watch :-))
BT: Can you tell us more
about your mission to bring Deaf Awareness, what do you really want to do to
help the Deaf community?
SN: My
mission is to boost every deaf child’s self esteem to accept for who they are
because in many countries, deaf children are struggling to live their life and
especially left out. To educate hearing families about deafness, they can have
a better relationship with their deaf child. Another important reason is to
improve the educational system to give opportunities for children’s future. I
would love to make a difference in child’s life.
BT: What would you like
the most that the Deaf community would accomplish in the hearing world? (Ex; a
law making every movie theatre to play with captions, make sure that every
hospital has an interpreter or someone who knows asl 24 hrs for emergencies)
SN: I
would like to see the Deaf community accomplishes goals in the hearing world,
for example to get a job with accessible such as a high technology to
communicate with hearing people at workplace. Hearing bosses would be more
flexible for hiring Deaf people in the office or anywhere, etc. More deaf
friendly. I would like to see both Hearing and Deaf workers use Iphones or Mini
Ipads that can be used for communicating through text or relay. That will be
great if there is newer technology better than that. I know several deaf
friends, they filled several job applications and nothing happened. It is
definitely frustrating because I understand how they feel. Few of them are
lucky to have a job. Deaf people out there who are smart and got plenty of
potential, they deserve to have a good job so they can have a good life.
BT: Any last comment about
SAB or Deaf Awareness or both to our fan base?
SN: I
truly appreciate to have your support because it means a lot to me. Thank you
from the bottom of my heart!
We would like to THANK YOU for bringing Natalie to us!
Thank you for your dedication and attention to the fans who so much appreciate
your work!! Hoping all the best for you and looking forward to see a lot more
of Natalie on the next season of Switched at Birth!
Follow
Stephanie on Twiter: @modelstella
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ModelStella
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