ALTA is happy to support women’s equality through our Medical Interpreter Training course! Check out Ana’s story to learn how being a medical interpreter has helped her achieve her goals and leave a legacy for her daughter.
Ana Salvadore Interview:
1) What languages do you speak?
Spanish, English and Italian
2) Which language do you speak when you were growing up?
The 1st language I spoke was Italian. Then when I started going to school I started speaking Spanish and that became the dominant language at home.
3) What language do you speak at home?
With my husband – English; with mu daughters – Spanish; with my friends – depend on their nationality.
4) Tell me about your family … shape your family culture?
My parents are Italian immigrants; my family culture was very Italian : food, names, customs, music etc. However my parents tried very hard to blend into the Venezuelan culture; they sent us to a normal Venezuelan school (unlike many of their Italian friends), we spoke Spanish the majority of the time and we ate Venezuelan food as well.
5) Has being bilingual been an asset or a hindrance in your life?
Being bilingual has definitely been an asset in my life. First of all it has allowed me to see the world from a different perspective, it has broaden my horizons; learning a new language always comes with the learning of a new culture (the one associated with that language). It has also allowed me to get better jobs and to ultimately emigrate to the US by getting a job as a Bilingual Teacher.
6) What does being a Medical Interpreter mean to you?
Being a Medical Interpreter is fascinating, one never stops learning. You meet different people every day, from different countries and backgrounds, with different challenges and every doctor has his/her own point of view. It is a very exciting profession and it has challenged my “old brain” with all this new terminology, and procedures. Above all, is a profession in which one feels very useful and rewards you daily with a patient’s and doctor’s’ gratitude.
7) What life lessons has your work taught you?
It has definitely reaffirmed my conviction that this is the greatest country in the world: every patient, regardless of his/her origin, social class and race is treated with the respect and kindness. I has also made me more aware of the importance of closely monitoring my health and living a healthy lifestyle. It has also made me very thankful for my good health.
8) How has being a Medical Interpreter made you a better parent?
I find myself following quite a few of the medical advises I hear daily with my daughters. It has made me more knowledgeable in every aspect regarding a healthy lifestyle and now I try to share that with them, especially in the nutritional aspect. Also due to the fact that Medical Interpreters (free-lance) do not have a set schedule it has made me plan and appreciate more the time I spend with my girls .
9) What is the legacy that you want to leave to your kids?
That you are never too old to learn, and that through hard work you can achieve almost every goal you set for yourself.
At ALTA Language Services, we are proud to offer the highest quality medical interpreter training courses. Learn more at https://learn.altalang.com/