Week 1 – Discussion Board 1

[Art Liebl]

In 250 words talk about yourself. Where do you live? What languages do you speak? Why have you decided to become an interpreter? Reply to 2 other students by Monday night.

[Art Liebl]

Welcome to week 1! This first week is to get you used to the online platform and for you to get to know each other!

Your instructor for this week is Art Liebl. Please feel to connect to me through my email, or the button, “Contact Instructor” with any issues you may encounter this week.

Here are your assignments for the week:

1. Weekly Reading: Read chapter 1 from the manual. Please translate any and all terminology in the chapter- translating English terminology into your target language.

2. Discussion Board Topics: From the dashboard, scroll down to Week 1 – Posting #1 and posting #2. Please respond to the initial question from the instructor. During the week, bounce off other students’ comments, or the instructor’s comments. By the end of the week, you should have an initial posting and 2 other postings based on other students or the instructor.

3. Weekly Quiz: Take the first quiz- week one. It is auto graded

4. No written assignment

Instructor: Art Liebl
Instructor email: aliebl@interpretersassociates.com

Week starts: October 7
Week ends: October 13

If you have any technical problems or questions: aliebl@interpretersassociates.com

[Art Liebl]

I extend a hearty welcome to you all! I am very excited to be here with you this very first week of class; I am sure you will enjoy your ten weeks with us here! It will be both an intense and yet enjoyable experience. So buckle up and enjoy your time with us. During the course you will be introduced to medical interpreters who have over 10 years experience, as well as medical physicians who are both physicians and interpreters. So…..take advantage of this time with them. Ask them whatever comes to mind, clear up your doubts if you have any.

I started interpreting and translating when I moved to Brazil in 1995 working in the graphics arts field/business field. I grew to have such a passion for communication that when I came back to the USA I stopped my work as a graphic arts technician (working on huge rotary presses) and moved into the translation and interpreting field. I achieved my medical interpreter certificate back in 2002. To be honest I was not very good at medical interpreting as I had a lot of unclear ideas as to anatomy and current medical science. But, with perseverance I can honestly say that I have learned tons and today feel comfortable in any and all medical setting. You will no doubt pass through the same experience, so, be patient with yourself; you are at the start of a marvelous career!

Good studies to you!

[Judy Guarin]

Thank you Art for such a warm welcome! I’m looking forward for this new learning opportunity, Thank you for your help and patience with me.

[Dayane Malone]

Hi, It’s so nice to know you’ve been to Brazil and have that experience — Brazil is actually my native country! It’s always great to meet someone who’s familiar with my culture and people.

[Emily Arias-Perez]

I was born in 1995, you’ve been doing this quite sometime.. Id like to be just like you years from now telling my Interpreter experience starting 2025

[Luanna Vieira Rosa]

Thank you for the warm welcome! As the child of Brazilian parents, it’s especially inspiring to hear about your journey and connection to Brazil. I’m really looking forward to learning in the next 10 weeks and growing in this field.

[Alejandra Gana]

hi everyone! im Alejandra Gana originally from Chile, i have lived in the Us for more than 30 years, I live in Waltham mother of 2 grown children. I choose to be a medical interpreter because i would go with my mom to all her doctors appointments since she did not speak English and we would always need an interpreter. i would listen carefully everytime an interpreter would show up. i just liked been able to help people that spoke the same language as me. presently I work at my daughters daycare but i want a change of career ! helping spanish society motivates me..

[Brian Pacheco]

Hi Alejandra, I can relate to you with this because growing up my mother did not speak English as well and would make me go to all of her doctors appointments with her to interpret everything! I don’t know if i said everything correctly at 10 years old but I tried lol

[Art Liebl]

Hi Alejandra!

It is so nice to get to know more about you! I am soooo excited that you are part of the class and with the years you lived here in the USA, you will surely be a great help as a medical interpreter!

Good studies to you!

Art

[Judy Guarin]

Awww so sweet!

• This reply was modified 4 days ago by Judy Guarin.

[Judy Guarin]

Hello Alexandra, I visited Chile about 3 years ago, I stayed in Concepcion. Very beautiful Country. Looking forward to this new learning experience with you!

[Judy Guarin]

Sorry, I meant Alejandra…

[Emily Arias-Perez]

Same my mother does not speak English at all. I would also love to visit Chile.

[Shannelys Guzman]

Hi Alejandra I love how you are taking this step into a new path from your current work may this new journey be rewarding and everything you dreamed it would be. Shannelys

[Brian Pacheco]

Hello to all, I am excited and at the same time nervous to be a part of this class! My name is Brian Pacheco. I am a 53 year old Hispanic male. Born and raised in the US. Happily married to my beautiful wife of 33 years. We have 5 amazing children together and 4 spunky energetic grandkids, as well as a Yorkie puppy who runs the house, a cat who thinks he’s a dog and a parrot that thinks he’s a cat. In my spare time I love to stay healthy and active and enjoy both the gym and pretty much anything outdoors with my family. I coach youth basketball presently and have always been involved in some way or another with the kids sports teams over the years.I have lived in Dracut, Ma. for most of my adult life.I speak fluent English and Spanish. I decided to become a Spanish interpreter professionally after many years of doing it leisurely for many things including the kids sports teams and randomly in many places when needed. I must be pretty approachable because I always find myself being to “go to” person lol. My wife being in the medical field has mentioned many many times over the last 25 years that I would be great in this field and I finally have decided to listen and give it a go! I know that this is going to be challenging as I have not been in school in over 35 years but I feel that I do have what it takes to succeed as I do love communicating with others as well as have the desire to make sure everyone is heard, correctly.Thank you and I look forward to learning beside you all!

[Art Liebl]

Hi Brian!

Awww…I love the call out to your wife of 33 years! Good for you! You seem to be solid and please do not worry about the course! I am sure you will do well. I am so glad you finally listened to your wife in taking our course! Being a medical interpreter is extremely fulfilling and satisfying…you will not regret it!

Best

Art

[Brian Pacheco]

Thanks for the kind words Art! and for the warm welcome!

[Judy Guarin]

Hello Brian, I’m with you on being nervous but it’s going to be just fine. We got this! Looking forward to this learning experience with you!

[Alejandra Gana]

hi Brian is nice to meet you!! i enjoyed reading your profile im glad we are all in here for the same reason. hoping to hear more stories and to help and learn from each other!!!

[Alejandra Gana]

thank you so much Art for your warm welcoming!! im looking forward to the next 8 weeks!!

[Judy Guarin]

Good afternoon to all! My name is Judith Guarin. I was raised and have lived in the U.S for 30+ years. I am a single mother of a 22 year old female. I’ve worked in the Dental field for 18+ years as a Dental Assistant/Office Assistant. I fluently speak English and Spanish. I am currently staying for an extended time in my native Country, Colombia S.A. for family/business matters. The reason why I’ve considered taking your online course is due to the flexibility and convenience of being able to do it virtually away from home during my stay in Colombia. I’ve been interpreting for many years as Brian mentioned “leisurely” and I enjoy it! During pandemic, I stayed home for 3 months as many people had to, and I took advantage of an amazing opportunity that was offered; to take an online course for medical interpreting, which was state and nationals certified. This was a door opening to better job opportunities in the interpreting field as well as for a new career. Unfortunately because of Covid 19 we were not able to go through with completing the last step of the course; to take the nationals test in order to be able to interpret anywhere in the U.S as well as online. Fortunately I was able to get a job with a company from Florida interpreting for the school department in RI which did not require the nationals’ certification, and that’s what I did for about 1.5 years. During my search for online job opportunities while staying in Colombia, I came across with an old friend who gave me the information about your virtual interpreting program and I was able to join! I, like Brian and Alexandra I’m very excited to have joined your program, but I’m also a bit nervous because interpreting for the schools it’s very different than interpreting for the medical field. I feel I have forgotten all of the medical terminology and requirements I learned during pandemic which is why this is a great opportunity for me at this time. Thank you, and I look forward to an amazing learning experience with you all!

[Brian Pacheco]

Hi Judith! Nice to “meet you”. Columbia is definitely on our radar of places to visit. I have friends that live in Cali and Bogota that I would love to see.

[Judy Guarin]

Hi Brian, That’s exciting to hear! Colombia is indeed a beautiful country and also very fun, and the weather it’s great!

[Emily Arias-Perez]

Hello, My name is Emily Arias-Perez. I am 30 years old born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts but my parents are from the Dominican Republic. I have 1 child (girl). I speak two different languages English/Spanish. Although I was born in the U.S. I went go to school in The Dominican Republic (Kindergarten) meaning my first language was Spanish. Growing up I would always interpret for my mom and family since they are all non English speaking. Id assist them at appointments, filling out paper work, relaying messages over the phone etc. Being an interpreter fits my personality in general, I love helping others who have a difficult time understanding the English/Spanish language. I enjoy filling out paper work or just being the person to get rid of any communication barriers. Becoming a Medical Interpreter will give me the knowledge I need to successfully assist people in a Medical setting. Not only am I learning more but I would also be doing something that I like, something I enjoy. I am very nervous about this class after looking at the book but over all really excited for this new chapter in my life. I hope you all enjoy this class, overall we are very talented people we are multi-language speakers!

[Brian Pacheco]

Hi Emily, Yes, I also love being helpful when it comes to getting rid of the communication barriers!

[Dayane Malone]

Hi Emily, my family came from Brazil when I was a child and like you I had to be their interpreter since I can remember 🙂

[Shannelys Guzman]

Hi Emily how cool we are both Dominican and have experienced those same situations growing up helping our family. I also am a girl mom the best! So happy to have you be a part of the class. Wishing you good luck! Shannelys

[Luanna Vieira Rosa]

Hi Emily! I am also from Boston area and have a daughter as well! Growing up I would do the same for my parents, answering messages, translating at appointments etc.

[Dayane Malone]

My name is Dayane. I currently live in Plymouth, Massachusetts, I was born in Curitiba, Brazil. I moved to the US when I was ten years old, and since then, I have had to adapt to a new culture, a new country, and most importantly a new language. Learning English was a great challenge, but it also became one of my greatest accomplishments—it shaped my identity and opened many personal and professional opportunities.

After spending many years in the US, I decided to return to Brazil, where I once again had to readjust this time to my own home country, which I barely remembered. During this period, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and worked in international schools, teaching English to children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds. This experience helped me develop strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a deep sense of empathy.

About three years ago, life brought me back to the United States. Since then, I have taken part in volunteer work at vaccination clinics, helping the immigrant community by providing translation and communication support. This experience made me realize how essential language and understanding are to building connection and inclusion.

Today, I feel excited and motivated to pursue a career as an interpreter, to continue improving my skills and to help others communicate and feel understood. I see this new chapter as an important step in my personal and professional journey 🙂

[Luanna Vieira Rosa]

It is so nice seeing that you are from Brazil! My parents are Brazilian and also live in Plymouth!

[Shannelys Guzman]

Hello my name is Shannelys. I am a single mom to three amazing daughters, 14 yr old and 5 year old twins who keep me busy. I was born and raised in little ol’ Rhode Island. My family is from the Dominican Republic. I speak English as my first language and Spanish for as long as I can remember. I grew my love for speaking Spanish over an 8 month stay in my home country when i was 9. Many of my family members here in the US do not speak English which gave me the opportunity to help when needed.

I have worked in the medical field since i was 18 years old. I worked in different roles where I got to use my Spanish speaking abilities regularly throughout the day and gain so much knowledge, experience, and exposure. From being a CNA in both a hospital setting and home care setting caring for Spanish clients. A cancer center scheduling coordinator where I worked scheduling chemotherapy and attending to patients and families during treatment. I worked in the Operating Room as a support staff scheduling patients and arriving at them as they said their last goodbyes to families. Spent some time working the Spanish line for member services for The health exchange market and Medicaid member services. I have had a front seat at seeing the lack in many different areas in the medical field. I feel as if I was made for this like Emily said. I have the heart, the empathy, and compassion. These few bilingual jobs are where I really learned the gap is big, the space is grand for someone with passion and desire to help those with language barriers in getting the care they deserve. The work I have done over the years is what moves me. They gave me a smile daily and made me wake up for work daily to service those who didn’t speak English.

I have joined this class thanks to the extra push from my old charge nurse at the cancer center we discussed this class for a few years. She recently sent me the flyer for this class and said this is it it’s time for you to get out there and just do it! So here i am 🙂 I am quite nervous but excited to have you all with me on this journey!

[Luanna Vieira Rosa]

Hi! That is amazing that you had that push! and TWINS? Congratulations, you’re amazing! Excited to have you here and you will do great!!

[Luanna Vieira Rosa]

Hello everyone, my name is Luanna Rosa, and I am so excited to be part of this course with you all. I just turned 20 years old and was born and raised in the United States, but my parents are originally from Brazil, so I grew up surrounded by both cultures. Because of that, I became fluent in English and Portuguese which gave me a deep appreciation for language and culture. I often helped my parents with translation when I was younger, which taught me patience, understanding, and the importance of clear communication. Growing up in a bilingual household helped shape who I am.

This is my first time back in school since I graduated high school in June of 2024, so I am both nervous but so excited to be learning again and taking on something new. I’m also a mom to a beautiful one year old baby girl named Sophia, who inspires me everyday to keep working towards my goals and to become the best version of myself.

In my free time I love spending time with my husband and our daughter, being outside, visiting the beach, and finding little ways to make each day more meaningful. I am the type of person who really values peace and happiness. I am excited to have you all on this journey with me!

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