Interpreter Spotlight – Jessica R.

Jessica R. joined LSA’s network of linguists in 2014 and has already made a positive impact within the Alaskan communities she interprets for.   Jessica brings a strong background in the medical field along with a positive, can-do attitude.  She truly embodies LSA’s mission to help people not only as an interpreter, but also as an active volunteer and board member in her local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter.   Learn more about Jessica R. in this month’s Interpreter Spotlight.

Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.”  This is my favorite quote from the Dalai Lama.

I’m a first-generation American who emigrated from the Philippines in 1988.   I remember looking out the window as the plane was landing in Anchorage, AK and consciously thinking, “God gave me a great opportunity.  If all I need to do is work hard, I can’t wait to get the future started!”

Fast forward 26 years, I am blessed with a great husband, daughter and two adorable grand-dogs.  I own a small paramedical company with operations in 15 states.

What initially inspired you to get into professional interpreting?  What continues to inspire you today?

My family settled in Anchorage, AK – a city with diverse culture.  I was fortunate enough to work in one of the local hospitals shortly after our move.  High self-esteem is an important attribute of healthcare professionals. Upon emigration to a developed country like the United States, foreign-trained health personnel are exposed to greater career opportunities but are faced with adjustment problems – one of which is the language barrier.  I served more as a, “language coach” to my coworkers.  I helped them prepare for interviews, negotiate pay raises or additional work benefits.

It was at this job that I was first asked to act as an interpreter for a Filipino family whose father, the hospital’s patient, suffered a massive stroke.  The doctors wanted me to relay to the family that they will have to decide whether to prolong his life support system or have it removed because it was no longer effective.  I stayed with the family for 18 hours after the life support system was removed.  I was there until their dad took his last breath.  It was my first and most difficult interpreting job but that experience continues to be my inspiration to this day.  I helped this family through one of the most agonizing experiences in their lives.

Despite being busy with my business presently, being a professional interpreter makes me feel the most relevant.  I realize that this skill, put into good use, can directly impact someone’s life.

What do you find most rewarding about your profession?

Above all, I get more satisfaction through nonverbal observation and nonverbal cues like the clients’ facial expressions – the nod of appreciation, the “aha” expression in their eyes when they realize what is being discussed and they begin to understand.

Any advice for someone who’s looking to get into the interpreting field?

While we are hired to make communication possible among parties using different languages, sensitivity and patience along with respect for everyone involved is just as important in this profession.  Nothing embodies these characteristics more than punctuality.  As interpreters, we can’t get in the way of the agenda.  Tardiness erodes our credibility.

As a partner of LSA’s, how do you bring a positive, can-do attitude to every interpretation assignment?

I am clear on what I need to do and what my role is.  What I do is change words into meaning, and then change meaning back into words – of a different language!  My role is to make both parties feel confident that they are being heard and understood.

Can you name a few things the LSA team might be surprised to know about you?

Since I don’t speak any Filipino dialect in my own home, my husband still does a double-take when he hears me speak in another language other than English.