Nicole M.
Interpreter of the Month

The Bridge is pleased to introduce Nicole as our “ Interpreter of the Month”, October 2006.

Languages: English, Spanish, Conversational Maya K’iche’
Years as professional linguist: 2+ years

Nicole considers herself a lifelong learner and speaker of Spanish. Her Spanish studies began early in high school with traditional Spanish classes. After a few semesters of high school Spanish, she had the opportunity to spend a summer visiting family members living in South America. The visit solidified her desire to become fluent in Spanish. Ever since then, Nicole has afforded herself of every opportunity, both personally and professionally, to hone her language skills.

Although Nicole has only been interpreting professionally for just a few short years, she has many more years of volunteer interpreting experience both here in the U.S. and in South America. She started interpreting informally her senior year in high school for parent/teacher conferences. From there, it expanded to other opportunities that included extensive travel to Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. After high school, Nicole moved to Mexico City for 2 years. While living there, she took classes at the University of the Valley of Mexico. She also taught Business English classes to professionals with Coca Cola Company and Price Waterhouse.

When Nicole came back to Minnesota, she headed to Bemidji State University and achieved a double major in Spanish and Philosophy, with a minor in Women’s Studies. While at the University, she got to travel extensively for her coursework and was even granted a coveted 1-year internship opportunity with Global Exchange. Global Exchange offers professionals the opportunity to see and experience first hand the political and social realities in other cultures and societies. In addition to living abroad, this type of internship afforded her many opportunities to meet interesting people while acting as a guide and interpreting for special events and guest speakers. On one chance occasion, Nicole even had the pleasure of meeting Rigoberta Menchu (UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and 1992 Nobel Peace Prize winner) and chatting with her in her native tongue, Maya K’iche’.

In August 2006, Nicole was notified that she had passed the Interpreter Certification exams with the MN State Court Interpreting Program. Nicole plans to pursue interpreting for many years, because it fits well with her lifestyle. “It’s pretty flexible, which is great for individuals who want to work, be available to their kids and have time for travel.” Future goals include interpreting certification with the federal court system and more traveling around the world.

Congratulations, Nicole, on achieving Interpreter of the Month, October 2006!