Originally from Colombia I moved to the United States in my early twenties in 1992 to expand my knowledge and expertise of Modern Languages. I have always been interested in the way languages work since my parents bought me my first English course from the BBC when I was about 10 years old. I still remember the characters: Castor, Pollux, Maria the acrobat and, of course, Coco the clown. I went to a school founded by Americans and when I was in High School I enrolled for two years in the Colombo-American Center (an American Institute for the learning of English).
I received in 1992 a B.A. in Modern Languages (Licenciatura en Idiomas) from the Universidad Industrial de Santander where I studied Spanish (linguistics and literature), English and French. During my time at the UIS I was a participant/founder of Arte Poetica (a literary group and magazine where we published some of our creative work (poetry and short stories). In addition to my formal studies of French in college I studied French for 4 years at the Alliance Colombo Francaise where I worked as a teacher after finishing my degree.
In the summer of 1992 I traveled to the United States to participate in an exchange program called CIP (Columbus International Program). During the school year of 1992-1993 I worked as an assistant teacher in two High School systems (Upper Arlington and Worthington). I helped students to learn and understand the Spanish world. I was a guest speaker at numerous schools where I was invited to talk about my cultural heritage.
In 1993 I was accepted at The Ohio State University to do my Master's in Latin American Literature and Culture. My interests are Latin American Colonial and Contemporary literature and drama. After completing my Master's I was accepted in the PhD program where I continued my research in colonial texts, particularly the writings of Fray Pedro Aguado. During my time at The Ohio State University I taught many Spanish courses to American students and I was selected as the Coordinator of the Cuernavaca Program in the winter of 1995. We recruited and took a group of 30 American students to Cuernavaca, Morelos to learn Spanish in Mexico.
Besides my graduate coursework in Spanish literature during my PhD studies at OSU I was able to take several courses in other languages such as German, French and Portuguese which has helped me a great deal to be a better translator and interpreter.
During the last years I have used my strong command over verbal English and Spanish to interpret in medical and legal settings. Working as an interpreter for the International Language Bank I have been able to assist native speakers of Spanish to communicate in English at Doctor's, Chiropractor's, Psychologist's, Psychiatrist's, Neurologist's, Physical Therapist's, Orthopedic Doctor's offices, as well as at Lawyer's agencies and Courts of Law. In addition to my experience as interpreter I have provided translation, proof-reading and editorial support to medical publications such as Ophthalmology Times Latin America.
Translating and interpreting is a passion of mine. I have many years of experience living in both worlds (Spanish and English) and working in professional settings. I take my job very seriously and pay close attention to detail. I offer my services at very reasonable prices. I'm looking forward to work with you and help you maintain high standards of professionalism. |