My love for Spanish began in high school with a deep need to feel connected to my Latino roots, my Cuban relatives. Upon graduating high school I was given an academic award in Spanish. I continued my studies in Spanish in college, pursuing it as my major and participated in a study abroad semester in Quito, Ecuador. It was in Ecuador that I fell in love with Latino culture and greatly expanded my skills in Spanish. At my college graduation I received an award for Outstanding Student in Spanish as well as High Honors. I returned to Quito, Ecuador and taught English as a Second Language at various academic institutions. I am looking to utilize my experiences and knowledge of Spanish and English as a student and teacher to pursue opportunities in freelance translation and interpreting. 

In regards to experience, when enrolled at Michigan State University I took a course in translation where I translated many public documents from Spanish to English and English to Spanish. At MSU I also translated the Michigan Public Health Survey for the IPPSR call center while working there as a surveyor. More importantly, living abroad in Ecuador and working there as an ESL teacher, further forged stronger bonds between my knowledge of the two languages. Constantly switching between English and Spanish as a teacher in Quito, I expanded my knowledge of vocabulary in technical, corporate and tourism industries.  Many of my students worked in different industries that required them to use English as a part of their job. I helped many students with translating emails, documents and even presentations so that they would be able to present them in English as well as in Spanish. 

I am looking to expand in all areas that I can. As well, I am willing to accept challenges to grow and develop within the translation and interpreting industry. As a college graduate with a BA in Spanish and 7 years experience living and working abroad in Ecuador, I am very confident in my Spanish language skills.