A bridge between two worlds | Martha V. | English to Spanish Translator

Martha is an English to Spanish translator, Spanish Proofreader and Editor, but most of all she is one of the best community members at Work for Impact. She is a great expert of nature and she is always ready to share her knowledge with the other members, knowledge that comes from her experience and her traditions. She is based in Argentina.

I would love to be a part of projects that focus on nature, sustainability, education spirituality, helping people to grow and heal and spirituality.

I got a degree in English language at university so Id say its the English language itself. I spent years teaching English to people of different ages, from 5-year-olds to teenagers and adults in secondary schools. I even taught in a primary rural school! That was my job for the most part of my life as I started teaching when I was very young.

Working as a translator was my first choice when I graduated from high school, but having a job as a translator in a small town at that time was impossible, so I became a teacher. But I never gave up the idea. And then one day I decided it was time to give it a chance and I subscribed to some freelancers sites. It was then that I discovered WFI and the nice staff there. And I had the opportunity to get my first job as a translator, which Im really enjoying.

First of all, not having a fixed work schedule, I hate getting up early in the morning! Im sort of an owl, I work better at night when its silent and nobodys around. I can concentrate better. Secondly, that I can choose which projects I want to work on. You know, your performance is better when youre working on something you do like. And, of course, meeting people from different parts of the world that share your same interests. Besides, it feels so good to work from home! I love being at home and freelancing gives me the chance to take a break, go outside and do some gardening or cook or just stretch a bit and resume work after that.

I think Id be doing something on my own, I suppose Id be looking for a niche in the market, something related to English, of course. Or maybe Id be starting a work of my own, related to plants or food or ferments. Things I enjoy.

One of my professional goals is to be able to use my knowledge and skills to meet (or exceed) clients expectations. I aim at being able to provide the best outcome. Related to that, I love when people can access information in their own language. You know, its so hard not being able to read or to listen to something you are really interested in because its not in your language. It feels so good being the means for that to occur!

As I said before, being the means through which Spanish-speaking people can access material written or spoken in English makes me feel satisfied. You are some kind of bridge between the two languages. In my daily life, helping people live a healthier and closer to nature life by growing part of their own food, cooking their own meals using organic products, going back to using herbs to heal the body and the spirit, reducing, reusing, and recycling. I use social networks to spread the word. These are my contributions. One day at a time and one step a day.

Anything related to animals. Theyre our little siblings, we know that, and we have to take care of them. They cant defend themselves. And we must protect endangered species, theyre part of our mother Earth. If they disappear, the delicate balance is damaged as each of them has a role to play. It may even break. Besides, theyre so vulnerable! Like their older siblings, we should be their caretakers.

If you want to learn more and you need support from an English to Spanish translator, connect with Martha at Work for Impact. If you want to share your story as a freelancer, you can reach us at community@workforimpact.com.

Read more stories from WFI Freelancers here.