Carmen Dumais

“Every day is a learning experience. I can go to sleep with the satisfaction of a job well done!”

Language: Spanish

Interpreting Since: 2012

Favorite Appointment Type: Medical

What inspired you to become a professional interpreter/translator?

It was actually by accident, I needed to start working and thought of the medical field (there is always work in that area) so my sister in law advised me to take Medical Terminology classes. By the time I looked into it the class was full, so I kept looking into different areas and saw the Healthcare Interpreting class. Bingo! I figured this can somehow help me, why not try it? I did and I love it!!! Before I was done I enrolled into Medical Terminology. Basically, at the end I think that everything has a reason for why it happens, I always am the kind of person that if I can help you with something I will be more than happy to help, so this was the perfect way to do it, and getting paid to do what you love – that to me is not working, it’s a blessing.

What continues to inspire you today?

The satisfaction I have after an interpreting session. When patients look at me and thank me for being there for them, making them feel that they are not alone because they are LEP, that somebody cares. The appreciation they have for us interpreters. The feeling that I was able to help someone, even if it’s a little bit… that makes me happy.

Any advice you have for your colleagues?

Follow protocols, respect others no matter what (beliefs, cultures, education), always be on time, act as a professional, we are representing an organization, not ourselves.

Any advice for someone looking to begin in the interpreting field?

You need to be kind to others, but at the same time you need to have a strong character. You need to have tons of patience and you need to love what you do.

Can you name a few things that the Global Village team and your colleagues may be surprised to learn about you? (Eg. Hobbies, Skills, Fun Facts?)

I love fishing, but more than that I love catching! I love to cook, I am as stubborn as a mule, if not more, I enjoy to be with the other Trinity (me, myself, and I) thinking, giving myself advice on whatever subject. I enjoy being alone at home as much as I enjoy a good time with a friend having some coffee. One last thing… I am dyslexic.