UPDATES

On April 22, 2016, I received a token of appreciation from the West Allis Police Department for my collaboration in providing urgent translation services for a press release. The timing of the request could not have been better since I had just spent that morning talking to elementary students about my career as a Spanish interpreter and translator and what I love about it, which ironically, is that no two days are alike. Today was definitely a unique day.

In February 2016, I participated in my inaugural international humanitarian mission and even conducted my very first Go Fund Me campaign to raise money to purchase extra supplies for the community where we would be stationed.  I was contracted by Dentistry For All (a Canadian non-profit organization that has since expanded into the U.S.) to serve as the group’s Spanish interpreter and translator during the 12-day mission in trip in Guatemala.  Our group of just over 20 volunteers treated a total of 444 patients in six days at the clinic!  The experience was more than I could have ever imagined – an abundance of compassion, positivity, adrenaline, exhaustion, exploration, enthusiasm, poverty, appreciation, satisfaction…but most of all, smiles.

Based on my desire to educate others about language access services, like translation, as a recommendation to all of my customers, I enjoy sharing this publication by the American Translators Association:  Translation: Getting it Right.  Before you submit that next translation request, take a moment to review this resource and ask yourself if you are approaching your project in the most cost-effective, culturally-appropriate way.  Consult your translator for guidance – his or her expertise can save you more time and money – plus, open communication between you will ultimately yield a better outcome.