By Lindsey Hawkins

Bethany Long attends Applications of Algebra every day, though she is not a student. In fact, she sits with her back to the blackboard and the professor, yet she catches every word. How can this be? She is an interpreter for the deaf. Long just so happens to also be quite stylish. She wears silver rings on both hands, which sparkle as she quickly moves them into different shapes. Her style is both cute and classy, consisting of brightly colored socks, plaid pants, pinstripes and multi-colored scarves. Long’s style does not include a lot of make-up, and she exudes a happy demeanor. Although she may have hoped her days of algebra were over, she is now part of the classroom in an altruistic and unique way.

The Northeastern News: Please describe your occupation at Northeastern.

Bethany Long: I am a Staff Interpreter. I interpret mostly classroom work, but sometimes admissions, like open house. I’m located in the resource center.

The News: What led you to that job as well as to Northeastern?

Long: It was kind of a fluke actually. I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a major. I met a deaf person and started taking classes. Then I came to Northeastern and graduated in 2000. I applied to Northeastern as a staff member and got it. This is my first semester. It’s interesting being back here as staff after being here as a student just a couple of years ago.

The News: Who are a couple of your heroes?

Long: My parents, because they work so hard and they supported me so much. They always encouraged me, gave me so much money. They always 100 percent supported me.

The News: How would you describe your personal style?

Long: I really don’t know. I try to be professional and comfortable with a bit of spice thrown in.

The News: What are your stylistic influences?

Long: A lot of it is influenced by the job, because we have to wear dark colors, blacks and browns. And also, my mother, because she’s the one that helps me out with my clothes. I’m not very stylistic myself. My mother works as a hair stylist and has amazing style. She is a beautiful woman and has helped me buy clothes that are trendy and will last through the ever-changing styles.

The News: How much time do you spend getting ready for work in the morning?

Long: From the time I wake up, make my lunch, eat breakfast, shower, dress and attempt to do my hair, I take an hour and then make my mad dash to the train station.

The News: Whose style do you find the most interesting in the entertainment industry?

Long: That’s actually not something I think about a lot.

The News: What article of clothing or accessory could you simply not do without?

Long: Yeah. My long underwear for when it’s cold. My jewelry, too.

The News: Where do you usually shop for your jewelry?

Long: Sadly, my family is addicted to QVC, and much of my jewelry comes from there. They actually have a beautiful selection. If I travel, I also buy jewelry. I am a jewelry addict!

The News: How would you describe the general style of Northeastern students?

Long: In general, it’s quite eclectic. I see everything from the entire gammet of clothing.

The News: What are some of your favorite stores?

Long: My favorite stores are jewelry stores. Especially the small, privately owned, hand-made kind of stores. The jewelry tends to be breathtaking (and very expensive, so I mostly window shop).