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

[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!

[Leslie Hernandez]

My name is Leslie Hernandez and I currently live in Everett, Massachusetts. I am bilingual and speak both English and Spanish fluently. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household allowed me to develop strong communication skills in both languages, and I have always enjoyed helping people understand one another.
Language has always been an important part of my life because it connects people from different backgrounds and cultures. Being able to communicate effectively in more than one language has given me opportunities to assist friends, family members, and community members who needed help navigating conversations, appointments, and important documents.

I decided to become an interpreter because I am passionate about helping others overcome language barriers. I understand how difficult and stressful it can be for individuals who are unable to communicate in English, especially when dealing with legal, medical, educational, or professional matters. Interpreters play a vital role in ensuring that everyone has equal access to information and services regardless of the language they speak.

I also enjoy meeting people from diverse backgrounds and learning about different cultures and experiences. Interpreting allows me to use my language skills in a meaningful way while making a positive impact on the lives of others. My goal as an interpreter is to provide accurate, professional, and culturally sensitive communication so that all parties feel heard, respected, and understood. I believe that effective interpretation helps build trust, promotes inclusion, and creates opportunities for individuals to fully participate in their communities.

[Emely Veliz]

My name is Emely, and I currently live in Rhode Island. I am originally from Guatemala. I speak Spanish as my first language and English as my second language. Being able to communicate in two languages has allowed me to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and it has also provided me with many opportunities. At the beginning, learning and speaking a second language was definitely a challenge, but it has become easier over time. I believe you never stop learning when it comes to speaking a different language.

I decided to become a medical interpreter because I enjoy helping people communicate effectively. I have noticed how many individuals struggle every day to express themselves when they are not fluent in the language spoken around them, and this is especially common in the medical field. I believe communication is essential in healthcare, education, business, and many other areas of life.

As stated in the first chapter of our textbook, interpreters do more than simply translate word, they help people connect across language and cultural barriers. They also carry a great deal of responsibility, they have to demonstrate accuracy, professionalism, and strong communication skills. I look forward to developing these skills and using them to help others receive the information and support they need.
Becoming a medical interpreter will allow me to help my community and help patients feel more comfortable during medical appts. I want to ensure that lamguage barriers do not prevent people from receiving quality healthcare, and also make sure ther understand important medical information.

[Maria Valencia]

Hi name is Maria Camila Valencia and I go by Camila. I currently live in Pawtucket Rhode Island but I am originally from Medellin Colombia. When I first came to this country it was difficult to learn English and it did not help that I used to surround myself with only Spanish speaking People. Once I entered the work force, I had no other option than to start learning English. I was very shy at first but the more I used the language the easier it became. Once I started working in the medical field I saw how many people need help understanding what medical providers are telling them in Spanish. I feel I am very compassionate to others and often times seeing some patients coming into the office and needing help with basic interpretation I would help as much as I can although I did not have extensive knowledge.

I have always enjoyed helping people and working in the medical field so I thought becoming a certified medical interpreter is a good career path for me. This way I can continue to help people in my community with the actual knowledge after completing the course. Acquiring the knowledge is very important not only in communication because not all words directly translate but also to not make any mistakes when translating, because as we learned in the chapter this can potentially lead to serious medical mistakes. I am looking forward to gaining the knowledge necessary to do a good job and help in those in need.

[Author]

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