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June 25, 2020Alum Beatriz Pina grew up bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish at home, and she was already interpreting when she was in high school. Working through a program with the St. Paul public schools, she enjoyed serving the Hispanic/Latino community. One of her high school teachers encouraged her to apply to Century College, and told her that a career in Translation and Interpreting would give her credentials and more options in future employment.
Flexible Course Schedules
“Cris Mazzei, then the director of Century College’s Translation and Interpreting (TRIN) program, held high expectations and was very demanding,” Beatriz remembers. “It was an incredible experience.”
Living on her own and raising her child, Beatriz continued to work as an interpreter while she attended the College. ”I went part-time and took a little longer, but Century College’s courses were flexible, and I was able to graduate in 2016, debt-free. The greatest part about the College is that the faculty and staff provide so much support, and the course schedule accommodates your lifestyle needs.”
From School to Health Care Translation and Interpreting
Beatriz always knew that she wanted to work in the health care field, and got the opportunity when she did an internship at Children’s Hospital. Her internship work, along with her experience and her Century College education ensured employment in her chosen field. She was offered a job at Allina Health two weeks before she graduated.
During the pandemic, Beatriz has been working through video remote and phone interpreting. “Fortunately, technology has allowed me to continue to provide service to our patients,” Beatriz notes. ” I chose the right field to go into. I always had a passion and an interest in health care. I work with surgeons and cardiologists and orthopedics and learn something new every day—everything from surgical options to how to live a healthy lifestyle. I’m always learning as I work.”
TRIN: A Supportive Environment
Beatriz offers this advice for new students, “Everybody is afraid to fail, but I was amazed to see how supportive TRIN professors are–it made all the difference. Plus, you’re learning with a diverse group of people in your classes, and working in the language lab, alongside French, Arabic, and Chinese interpreters. And you’re learning all the tips, tricks, and skills to help you on the job. TRIN was a wonderful, enjoyable experience.”
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