1. What language(s) do you master? How did you become bilingual?
My language pair is Spanish and English. I became bilingual at the age of 5 when I started school. I attended school equally in both languages. I alternated between school in a Spanish-speaking country and the United States.
2. Tell us a little about your background in other industries before working with Verbio
Prior to working with Verbio, I was a department manager at Nordstrom, and then a paralegal for about 13 years, mostly in the medical negligence and personal injury fields. I subsequently transitioned into freelance court interpreting approximately 15 years ago.
3. What attracted you to collaborate with a language services firm?
Language and communication are two of my passions. I take pride in helping people communicate effectively, as I have seen first-hand how miscommunication can affect the outcome of a case.
4. Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I was a very introverted child and entertained myself by reading encyclopedias, dictionaries, and medical journals. That has changed in my adult life. I enjoy social gatherings and love a good karaoke party amongst friends (pre-covid).
5. You spent part of your childhood in Puerto Rico. Give us a taste of that experience. Pick a favorite dish, pastry, history, local language or culture to share.
I am Puerto Rican and will always be. It is in my DNA. I love my people, island, beaches, food, music, etc. If I had to pick a favorite Puerto Rican dish, I would choose “sancocho”, “mofongo” and “alcapurrias.” As far as desserts go, I love guava and cream cheese-filled puff pastries. I grew up between the coastal city of Arecibo and San Juan (the capital). However, my family is rooted in Utuado (mountains) and Camuy (coastal rural area).
1.Sancocho – 2. Guava – 3. Alcapurrias – 4. Mofongo
6. What would the title of your autobiography be?
Resilience and Refusing to Become a Statistic: The Accidental Interpreter.
7. What’s the weirdest fact you know?
The human head weights 8 lbs. (just kidding). I know all my family members’ blood types, dates of birth, and medical history. I have a weird knack for remembering random dates/places/outfits people wore, etc.
8. What is one type of souvenir you always try to collect when you travel?
Starbucks tumblers from all around the Globe!
9. If money was not limited, what country would you visit next?
I would love to spend some extended time traveling between Spain, Italy, and Greece. I am a “foodie” and would love to enjoy some of the local cuisines, plus the ocean calls my name.
10. What’s a trip that changed you, and why?
I went to a very rural and impoverished part of Mexico and the people were so genuinely happy and caring, despite not having much (material possessions). Their sense of community was strong, and I almost did not want to return to a life of chasing the almighty dollar. Up until that time, I thought that having a graduate degree, house, car, and living a comfortable life, were essential elements to achieve fulfillment and happiness. The people with the least of these things were the happiest, most generous and genuine individuals I have ever met.
11. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
“This too shall pass. Focus on the big prize and do not give up.”
12. Who would you invite onto your talk show and why?
Jesus, Moses, Abraham, Queen Esther, King David, Elijah, Hagar, Ishmael. I have so many questions.
13. What’s the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you?
I tend to block from my memory most of the awkward moments I had as a teenager. I do remember falling from the bleachers and knocking an elderly man to the ground when I was in high school. This was in front of everyone at a varsity basketball game.
14. Tell us two truths and a lie.
a. I am great at sports.
b. I am a very good cook.
c. I have not watched TV in years.
*Lie: a