For me, interpreting is more than just converting words from one language to another. It’s about being a voice for those who might otherwise go unheard. It’s about creating understanding in moments that really matter—like a medical appointment where clarity can change outcomes, or a community meeting where every voice deserves to be heard. I find deep fulfillment in knowing that I’m helping bridge gaps, not just in language, but in human connection.
Having grown up in a bilingual household with amazing parents, an American dad and a Mexican mom, was so much fun and gave me the chance of learning 2 languages as my native languages and loving 2 countries and cultures as my own!
Back then, I didn’t realize it, but I was frequently interpreting for my family and helping bridge the cultural gap between family members (Mexico and the USA). In a way, I was also teaching them little things about each country’s language and culture, all while just being a kid. It’s funny to look back and see that I was interpreting and teaching long before I ever called it my profession!
One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in my teaching and translating journey was when I fought against Lyme Disease. I was in desperate need to find accurate information and videos, and most of them were in English, including the pamphlets and information I had access to. I thought about all the people I had been able to help with my videos, so I started to translate important health resources into Spanish for others who needed them, and created a YouTube and Facebook page back then called @unidoscontralyme (United against Lyme).
I found that helping others, even during one of the most challenging times in my life, was extremely important to me. I wanted everyone who spoke Spanish and had been diagnosed or thought they could have that illness to have access to and understand critical information in their native language.
This, once again, reminded me how powerful language is. I don’t talk about that specific topic anymore, because I couldn’t stay stuck there in the past, but I am extremely grateful that I was able to help with it. It reinforced my belief in what I do, and now I’m excited to keep focusing on the future.
People often ask me about the difference between interpreting and translating, and I always like to say they’re two sides of the same coin. Interpreting is all about being in the moment—you’re there in real time, listening and conveying meaning on the spot, which brings a dynamic, human connection. Translating, on the other hand, allows me to dive deeply into written texts and make sure every nuance is just right.
I love doing both because they complement each other and keep my skills sharp in different ways. Interpreting gives me the thrill of live interaction and the chance to support people face-to-face, especially in medical and community settings. Translating lets me slow down and really polish a message, like when I translated resources for Spanish-speaking communities during my own experience with Lyme disease. Both roles let me bridge worlds, and that’s what I’m here for.