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.
What is your area of expertise?
I got a degree in English language at university so I’d say it’s 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.
How did you become an English to Spanish translator?
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 I’m really enjoying.
What do you enjoy the most about being a freelancer?
First of all, not having a fixed work schedule, I hate getting up early in the morning! I’m sort of an owl, I work better at night when it’s silent and nobody’s around. I can concentrate better. Secondly, that I can choose which projects I want to work on. You know, your performance is better when you’re 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.
If you would not be freelancing, what would you be doing?
I think I’d be doing something on my own, I suppose I’d be looking for a niche in the market, something related to English, of course. Or maybe I’d be starting a work of my own, related to plants or food or ferments. Things I enjoy.
What are your goals? (Also not professionally speaking)
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, it’s so hard not being able to read or to listen to something you are really interested in because it’s not in your language. It feels so good being the means for that to occur!
What makes you feel you’re contributing to a better world?
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.
Favourite organization, and why?
Anything related to animals. They’re our little siblings, we know that, and we have to take care of them. They can’t defend themselves. And we must protect endangered species, they’re 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, they’re so vulnerable! Like their older siblings, we should be their caretakers.
Do you want to learn more about Martha?
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.