PIT Night Spanish Interpreting
Michael's Story
Being a volunteer translator was a wonderful
opportunity to use my Spanish outside of the classroom. I chose to
volunteer because it gave me a chance to improve my Spanish skills
while helping others. Translating for parent teacher conferences
was a challenge because teachers must had to explain difficult
concepts about a students class work and behavior to the parent.
Many of the hispanic parents also were not used to the procedures
of United States schools, so often additional explanation and
translation between both parties was needed. For elementary
teachers to educate effectively, parents must be involved. Teachers
must be able to communicate the student's progress to the parents.
Overall, this experience showed me the importance of effective
communication and how native English speakers often take for
granted the language barriers that many face.
Jess' Story
I participated in the parent-teacher night at the Indianapolis
Public School because it is an opportunity to use my Spanish in
more realistic environment. Also, I think translating is important
because it is an opportunity to assist others in breaking the
language barrier. I found that it was a very rewarding and humbling
experience. It was rewarding in the way that I was able to see how
my Spanish has developed this semester and how I have improved in
certain areas. It was humbling because interactions with native
speakers help you to see where you still need to enhance and
improve your speech. Talking with Hispanic parents, I learned of
their concerns and difficulties in trying to teach and assist their
children in school, when they as parents do not even know English.
This experience reminded me of the frustrations that non-natives
can often feel, and how important it is use my Spanish ability to
help diminish those feelings. If given the chance again, I would
definitely choose to participate.
Michael H's Story
Opportunities to use Spanish, experience the
Latino culture, and be subjected to our country's system
of education for our children, are very difficult to come by,
especially in the same place, on the same evening. Butler has
provided me with these types of opportunities; opportunities that
have opened my eyes to a world very different from the one I live
in everyday. I sincerely believe that you gain more from these
experiences, than you can ever help or give to those who are
actually in need. Even so, one Latino mother remarked, "Thank you
so much! Without people like you, we may have never truly known how
to help our son at home." The gratitude and sense of accomplishment
you receive in these types of volunteer opportunities are
overwhelming!