Welcome, Class of 2022! Spring 2022 Newsletter
Two Classes in 2022
Starting this year, Found in Translation will run two medical interpreter certificate training cycles each year, with one beginning in the spring and one in the fall. Through an updated application process and additional capacity, we are now accepting applications year-round on a rolling basis.
Spring 2022 Class is in Session!
Our Spring 2022 class began their interpreting journeys at the end of April. As with our Class of 2021, this training is taking place online, and students are divided into two cohorts – one meeting in the mornings, and one in the evenings. In preparation for the course, most of our incoming students attended an in-house digital training earlier this spring, where they learned important computer skills and benefited from small group support and access to computers and internet hotspots. The Spring Class of 2022 will run through the summer, and we will celebrate their achievements at an event in late August.
Who are the members of the Spring Class of 2022?
- There are 23 students in this class. 19 are new to Found in Translation, and 4 are alumnae who are returning to retake the training and earn their certificates. Additionally, 8 students were accepted this spring and will be joining our Fall 2022 class.
- Collectively, our newest students represent 12 different countries of origin.
- This class has 7 different language groups: Arabic, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Urdu, and for the first time in Found in Translation’s history – Dari!
- Students range in age from 19 to over 70, and the average age of this class is 39.
- All are confident, compassionate, motivated and community-oriented!
Join our Fall 2022 Class
We are still accepting applications for our Fall 2022 class, which will begin in October. All languages are welcome, and we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. Applications received after the class is filled will be considered for our Spring 2023 class. See our website for details, or email us at [email protected] with questions or if you are interested in volunteering.
Alumnae Spotlight – Advice for Incoming Students
Last month, our Alumnae Association welcomed a few of our newest students at their regular monthly meeting. These experienced professionals gave the Spring 2022 students lots of encouragement and advice as they prepared to start their medical interpreting journeys, including the following:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Take as many notes as possible. | Don’t stay quiet. Ask questions!!! |
| Take time to build community by studying with each other. | Don’t miss a class if possible!!! |
| Create your own role plays from scenarios you encounter at your own medical appointments. | Don’t procrastinate!!! |
| Take advantage of resources provided by staff and peers. | |
| Set aside ample time weekly to complete assignments and study for quizzes and midterm/final exams. | |
| Stay in touch with your peers and the alumnae community! | |
| Apply to jobs as soon as possible! | |
| Take advantage of continuing education opportunities. | |
| NETWORK! |
Conversations were so rich that several people stayed after the meeting ended to continue talking. This network of mentors and role models is so important to the success of our participants – and we look forward to all of the amazing things they will achieve together!
Leadership Transition, Job Openings, and New Board Members
Looking for our next Executive Director
After 11 years of dedicated service to our mission and community, Maria Vertkin will be stepping down as Found in Translation’s Executive Director this summer. Read her full announcement here. Our ED search is now underway, led by a committee of board members, staff, and program alumnae.
Click here for more information about the Executive Director position.
Now Hiring: Career Advancement Coordinator
This full time position will work directly with our participants through programming and individualized support to encourage continued professional and economic success.
Click here for more information about the Career Advancement Coordinator position.
Our Board of Directors is growing!
This spring we are pleased to welcome four new members to our board. Click their photos below to read their bios on our website.
Our 10th Anniversary Report is now available!
Found in Translation is proud to present our 2021 Annual Report, which highlights the achievements of our first 10 years of impact, honors the contributions of our It Takes A Village Award winners, and shares our vision for the next decade.
Once again, we are grateful to our 10 Years in Translation Anniversary Event Sponsors for their generous support: Eastern Bank Foundation, Women4Progress Charitable Trust, Dr. Eric Hardt, Dr. Ester Rebeca Shapiro Rok, Cambridge Savings Bank, The Boston Foundation, New England Translators Association (NETA) and Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters – CCHI.
Save the Date: Found in Translation Presenting at Paving the Way Conference
Board members Gaye Gentes and Lisa Walker, along with Executive Director Maria Vertkin, will be presenting a session on fair working conditions for interpreters at this year’s annual Paving the Way conference on June 4th. The conference is online, and is open to all – check out the full agenda here.
Here is the blurb about their session:
As our profession evolves there needs to be consensus and industry standards on what are fair labor conditions for interpreters. Generally speaking, working conditions cover a broad range of topics and issues, from working time to remuneration, as well as the physical conditions and mental demands that exist in the workplace. Stories of interpreters doing remote interpreting in basement ‘sweat shop’ conditions, not being issued protective gear and working with one hour minimums and prohibitive non-compete clauses all diminish and marginalize our profession. Found in Translation is planning to both create a Best Practices for the industry to follow and/or a white paper drawing from conversations with working interpreters and the industry. This is your opportunity to join the conversation and contribute to the long term future of our profession.
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