ACA Presentation: Interpreters and vicarious trauma
It is confirmed, I will be presenting with one of my professors at my first mental health related event in the USA. Quite a rite of passage. Friday, March 22, 2013 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Individual...
View ArticleThe little things matter
A coach at a football (or soccer for some) practice told a group of 8-9 year-old boys: “those are girlie push-ups!” (and not as a way to compliment the awesomeness of their physical dexterity, mind...
View ArticleDo not mark one box (unless you want to)
One of the side effects of moving to the US is that you have to “mark one box.” People will: ask, –> are you Hispanic, White, or Latino? persuade, –> you should change your last name… demand,...
View ArticleAll inclusive language
As interpreters and translators – are we ready? Right now I am advocating with one of my clients to use “all inclusive language” in our translations into Spanish. Let’s play! For example: When there...
View ArticleRacism, privilege, and respect (dreaming)
Last night I had a dream, which is not a remarkable event in itself, but this dream was about discrimination. Interestingly, it involved place of work, an authority figure, being insulted, belittled,...
View ArticleImmigrant feeling
The Carrasco International Airport (Montevideo, Uruguay) is an enormous emotional landmark. A place where time stands still, I move through the immigrant motions of feeling l am leaving home, returning...
View ArticleLatinos in the US: report
This is a very interesting report (Pew Report) of the diverse Latino population. The main positive factor is that indicates we are -as a society- getting closer to understand the concept of what this...
View ArticleHero within
I think medical interpreters play a role in protecting vulnerable children from becoming the family interpreters. When medical and mental health providers work with professional interpreters, we grow...
View Article(White) Elephant in the room
One thing I am clear about Trayvon Martin’s death and the events that followed: the awareness of my privilege as the mother of a child that is protected by the looks favorited in this society. I invite...
View ArticleEmotional Landmarks
Daring to connect with one’s emotional landmarks as immigrants brings us closer to self-awareness.
View ArticleHybrid model: interpreter/translator
The morning started early, too early. I accepted a two-hour minimum assignment with an agency that pays higher than average. Not sure if I am allowed to disclose the monetary details… Let’s say I would...
View ArticleCultural competence tip
The Southern-Hemisphere-born-and-raised immigrant to the US says: “Please do not speak to me in “season” language. Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter do not happen at the same time for me… Talk to me in...
View ArticleShort immigrant story
My identity gained a new layer the very same day I became a mother in this foreign land. I was no longer a visitor or a passing guest. Me, the immigrant. It is plausible I was living as a tourist...
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