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: March 25, 2025
Week ends: March 31 at midnight

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

[Art Liebl]

Now my official post:

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 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!

Don’t forget to proceed to DISCUSSION BOARD 2

• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by interpreter101.

[Lesly Betancur]

Hi Art, thank you for your words of encouragement, back in college Anatomy wasn’t one of my strengths which made me a bit nervous on pursuing being a medical interpreter but like you said with perseverance anything is possible. I’m looking forward to these next 10 weeks!

[Leonisa Avelino]

My name is Leonisa Avelino. My targeted language is Cape Verde Creole. I live in Boston Massachusetts. I migrated from Cape Verde with my parents when I was 11 years old. I live in Boston for most of my life and this is where a huge population of Cape Verde resides. Growing up I always interpreter for my parents who have limited English skills, as they navigate daily life and accessed essential services. Over the Years I have continued to help family members and friends, ensuring they have access to information and opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible due to language barriers. I also worked in a place where I interpreted for a Spanish speaking individual.
My experiences have made me actively aware of the challenges faced by those who do not speak English fluently. Living in a community where many residents struggle with English has further reinforced my desire to pursue a career in interpretation. I Develop a deep appreciation for the power of effective communication and the vital role interpreters play in facilitating understanding.
Becoming an interpreter is not merely a career choice for me, it is a commitment to serve as an advocate for clear communication and cross-cultural understanding. I am driven by the belief that every person deserves to have their voice heard and to understand the world around them. I am eager to leverage my skills in Cape Verdean Creole and English to help bridge the language gap and make a positive impact in my community. This passion continues to drive my interpreter journey.

[Cristina Restrepo]

Hello Art, thank you for sharing your journey in the medical interpreting career. It gives us encouragement and insight as to what to expect after obtaining this certification. I am really excited to see what is in store for us for the following 10 weeks. Looking forward to working with you.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by Cristina Restrepo.

[Cristina Restrepo]

Hi Leonisa, I am glad to be working with someone that shares the same experience of interpreting for parents and relatives from a young age. Also happy to hear that you want to use your knowledge in both languages to help the Cape Verdean community where you live. I’m sure you will make a difference anywhere you decide to work.

[Lesly Betancur]

Hi Leonisa, your story is inspiring. Your commitment to helping others and fostering clear communication is commendable. I’m excited to see how you continue to make a positive impact in your community through your work as a medical interpreter!

[Milleny Arantess]

Hi Leonisa,
I just wanted to say that your words were so beautiful, and I love how your main goal is to help your community. I can relate to you in so many ways, especially in the translating for parents area. Since I was young, I’ve been my parents’ personal google translate and I also thought that I might as well put some of the skills that I gained simply by growing up bi-lingual to use!

[Yona Souza]

Hello Leonisa, your story is very smillar to mine and I’m so excited to start working with you in this course!

[Art Liebl]

Hi Leonisa! It is great to have you with us! What island from Cape Verde are you from? I used to live in Brockton and had very many Cape Verdean friends from Fogo! We used to eat Cachupa every Sunday…LOL! It is great to have you with us and I really appreciate your positive attitude and drive! Good for you!

[Joseph Matthews]

Greetings to all – my name is Joseph Matthews. I am an expatriate American citizen and retired business executive who has been living and working in Brazil since 1976 and currently reside near the São Paulo metro area. My target language is Brazilian Portuguese in which i am fluent. I came to Brazil with an academic background in Latin American Studies and International Business seeking an international career with Brazil as my base of operations.
I promptly discovered that in the business world, the key critical success factor is information which, in turn, is driven by sound, concise and effective communications – regardless of the language. Over these years, I have had the privilege of being exposed to and involved in dynamic bi-lingual forums ranging from Agribusiness to Union Contract Negotiations. Upon retiring recently, I often wondered how I might continue using these linguistic skills in a post-retirement venue albeit with a focus on altruism. After all – I was mentored well in my younger years and the only way to repay those mentors – is to help others – as I was helped.
The answer suddenly came to me last year while closely watching my son who works in Rio as a professional interpreter in various fields. I witnessed, in every call he would take, there was always a patient or a customer on the line with a specific and even urgent need that he was able to address through his formal linguistic training. It was right then and there I decided to follow in his footsteps to provide that same degree of help that interpreters around the world perform every day. I know translating is not interpreting – so I will have a steep hill to climb, yes, but what is life, at any age, if there are no challenges to face, right? I look forward to working with you all in this course!

[Lesly Betancur]

Hi Joseph, it’s great to see how your vast experience and dedication to communication have led you to pursue interpreting. Your story about being mentored and now wanting to give back is amazing to hear! I’m sure your background will provide valuable insights as you embark on this new challenge.

[Leonisa Avelino]

Hi Joseph, Your journey is truly inspiring, and I admire your commitment to using your linguistic skills to help others. Your experience in international business and bilingual forums must provide a unique perspective on communication and interpretation. It’s wonderful that you’re embracing this new challenge with such enthusiasm—your background will surely be a valuable asset in this field.

[Art Liebl]

Hi Joe! Joe and I have known each other quite some time and will now be entering the medical interpreting field!!! Welcome on board Joe it is great to have you with us. I loved your comment, “I often wondered how I might continue using these linguistic skills in a post-retirement venue albeit with a focus on altruism.” This is so true…medical interpreting, besides being a very gratifying career, will give you plenty of work and keep your mind active. Welcome to the class!

[Milleny Arantess]

Hi Joseph!
I’m so excited to be learning with you and to know I’m not the only Brazilian Portuguese speaker!
I’m also so excited for you and this new journey you are entering with the medical interpreting field, and I can’t wait to learn beside you.
I think it’s so cool that you live in Brazil! What do you think about it? I’ve only ever been twice, and I desire to go again.

[Joseph Matthews]

Hello there Leonisa!
By your being from Cape Verde and now residing in Boston, MA and I having grown up in the state of Virgina but now living in Brazil for many years – you and I can both appreciate Fernando Pessoa’s famous call to all when he wrote: “Navegar é preciso!” Although we have all followed his call and are spread out over the world – we now find ourselves together in this digital forum to learn the skills of medical interpretating. I look to working with you, our fellow classmates, instructors and coaches over the next 10 weeks. Success!

[Cristina Restrepo]

Hello all, my name is Cristina Restrepo and I live in the state of Rhode Island. I am originally from Colombia and speak fluent Spanish as well as English. I moved into the United States when I was 15 years old and ever since I moved here I have been passionate about helping others, especially when it comes to language barriers.

My parents and many family members speak broken English or don’t speak it at all. So I used to serve as an interpreter for my family in all kinds of life situations and circumstances. In 2016 I lost my beloved grandmother to cancer and in between doctors appointments, radiation and chemotherapy treatments and specialists visits I realized that I could use my bilingual skills to help other patients that face the same struggle of not speaking the English language. I truly believe that it is crucial for patients to understand completely and thoroughly what is happening with their health, specially when diagnosed with any illness or disease.

With my grandmother I had the experience of translating in many medical settings, however, I didn’t not have the medical background needed to do it accurately. Many years passed by and I became a Dental hygienists and that motivated me even more to become a medical interpreter as where I work we see patients with diverse backgrounds many of them being Hispanics. Many of them do not speak English and I have to translate for my fellow coworkers with diagnosis and treatment plans that involve a lot of medical terminology.

I am excited to expand my knowledge in medical terminology and use the skills gained to help others be heard and understood. Also to help medical providers communicate effectively with their patients.

[Lesly Betancur]

Hi Cristina, we’re neighbors! What a small world, RI residents. We also share similar experiences as well growing up interpreting for our family members which is why we are here today LoL. I’m excited to see how you continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and help bridge communication gaps in healthcare with your bilingual skills and background in dental hygiene. Looking forward to be working with you all in this course!

[Leonisa Avelino]

Hi Cristina, Your story really resonates with me, as I’ve also spent a lot of time interpreting for my family in important situations. It’s amazing how those early experiences shape our passion for helping others. I admire your dedication to ensuring that patients fully understand their health, especially during difficult times. Your background in dental hygiene combined with your bilingual skills makes you such a valuable resourc

[Art Liebl]

Welcome on board Cristina! It is great to have you from the great state of Rhode Island! Columbia! That is one country I am dying to go to….from the beaches to the mountains to the rain forest…not to mention the food. I used to have a Columbian landlord and the smells that would come over to my side of the house were to die for!!!

It is good to see you put those interpreter skills to use…and now get paid for it!

Good studies to you!

[Cristina Restrepo]

Art, if you have the opportunity to visit Colombia please do as you will not regret it. Colombia is such a beautiful country with so much to offer that I am sure you will love it there. From the people to the food, the scenery, the weather, the experiences you get to live there are definitely one of a kind. I am from the city of Medellin and most tourists usually go during La feria de las Flores in early August or in December to celebrate the holidays as there are many activities going on throughout the city during those times.

[Lesly Betancur]

Hello everyone, my name is Lesly Betancur. I am a first generation American-Colombian, fluent in both English and Spanish, a dedicated mother of two beautiful girls and on a mission to re-enter the healthcare field in a way that allows me to make a meaningful impact in my community with flexibility. After taking time to raise my children, I am eager to return to my passion for healthcare, now with a new focus on becoming a medical interpreter. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, and I am committed to improving healthcare accessibility and services. I see my role as a medical interpreter as a way to contribute to both these fields, ensuring clear communication and a more inclusive healthcare environment.
My parents migrated from Colombia so the English language was difficult for them to navigate. I was born and raised in Rhode Island, and growing up, I naturally took on the role of an interpreter for my family. Whether it was translating documents, conversations, or helping my family navigate various situations, I’ve always had a passion for facilitating communication. This experience fueled my drive to become a professional medical interpreter. I believe communication is vital in connecting people and cultures. I’m excited to pursue this career to help encourage dialogue and ensure all voices are acknowledged, regardless of language or background everyone deserves access to quality care and accurate communication with healthcare providers. My goal is not only to help patients feel heard and understood but also to empower them to take charge of their health. By becoming a medical interpreter, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment while also providing for my family and growing professionally.

[Art Liebl]

Hi Lesly! Another Columbiana! Welcome on board! We also have something in common in that we both studied hospital administration! I have never used the degree in a practical way inside the hospital, but it was great getting the knowledge. I enjoyed hearing about your reasons in becoming a medical interpreter and look forward to your comments as we move week to week!

Good studies!

[Cristina Restrepo]

Hi again Lesly. I’m glad to hear that we share many things in common such as being neighbors and both coming from a Colombian background, having two beautiful daughters and also sharing similar experiences growing up in a household with English as a second language. I hope the transition from being a stay at home mom to student and future medical professional is a smooth one. I am sure this new career opportunity will help you grow even more professionally and personally.

[Joseph Matthews]

Hi there Lesly and Cristina. Interesting to see that you are both form Colombia and both also reside in R.I. Small world indeed!

[Milleny Arantess]

My name is Milleny Arantes. I’m 17 years old and currently a student a Brandeis University. I live both on campus (during the week) in Waltham MA and at home (during the weekend) in Everett MA. I speak Brazilian Portuguese and English. I learned Portuguese from my parents and English in school. My parents are both from Minas Gerais, Brazil and they immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s. They met here in the U.S. and a few years later had me. Now I have two younger brothers and two dogs!
I’m currently studying neuroscience on the pre-med track and hope to go to med school to become a neurosurgeon. The reason I’ve decided to become an interpreter is because I want to be able to help my community go to the doctors without fear of not understanding or the fear of being alone. I want to help my community in any way I can and being an interpreter is the best way I can think of currently. Another reason I’ve decided to become an interpreter is to start my learning process. By being an interpreter I’m already going to deal with patients and doctors, I’m going to get a first-hand experience into the medical world and how my life will somewhat look like in a few (more like 7) years. But, one of the most important reasons I am studying to be an interpreter while in undergrad is to show my brothers, family, friends, and myself that anything is possible and doable with a lot of hard work and effort. I’m so excited to be taking this course and I can’t wait to learn more about all of you and with all of you!

[Yona Souza]

Hello everyone!

My name is Yoná, I’m 19 years old. I was born in the state of Bahia, Brazil, but I currently live in Massachusetts. My first language is Portuguese, but I also speak English— as you can already tell from this post!—and I’ve learned some Spanish by working at a Hispanic Restaurant during high school.

I’m currently attending Brandeis University in Waltham Massachusetts. As I work toward fulfilling both my major and pre-med requirements, I saw the opportunity to become a certificated as a medical interpreter a really good resource.

I moved to the United States five years ago, and I remember needing a medical interpreter whenever I had to get check-ups at the hospital. After mastering English in seven months, I was finally able to speak directly with my physician. However, my parents still needed help due to the language barrier. Experiences like these made me realize how valuable being bilingual can be in helping the communities surrounding me, people who go through the same situations as my parents and I did. This certification course will allow me to professionally assist others which Is something I’m passionate about, while also developing social skills that will benefit me in my future career as a pediatrician.

I’m super excited to start this new journey and get to know everyone participating in this course. I hope to gain more knowledge and useful skills, but also to grow as a person—because being an interpreter is not just a profession, but a way to communicate and advocate for others’ needs.

[Yona Souza]

Hello Milleny! I’m so excited to know we attend the same college. I love that you’re passionate about giving back to the community as well. We have so much in common besides the language we speak 😉

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