Sam Stewart

Spanish Capstone Course

3-22-23

Professional Use of Language

As a Spanish major, I have always been passionate about learning and practicing the
language. I believe that language is more than just a means of communication; it is a
bridge that connects people and cultures. That's why I was excited to join two
organizations at Brigham Young University that allowed me to serve others while
practicing my Spanish: BYU Spanish Interpreters and NOMAS.
Through these organizations, I have had the opportunity to translate legal documents
and interpret for parents at parent-teacher conferences. These experiences have not
only allowed me to practice my Spanish skills, but also to make a meaningful impact in
my community.
Through my work with NOMAS, I have been able to serve the Latino community in
Provo, Utah. The organization provides various services to Latino families, including
legal assistance. As a Spanish major, I was able to contribute to these efforts by
providing interpretation services for families who needed translation and interpretation
of legal documents. Although I had taken many Spanish courses and served a mission
in Colombia, I was still unsure if I had the language skills necessary to accurately
translate these complex documents. However, using prior knowledge and valuable
translation tools I was able to become a better translator. Through
practice and feedback, I began to feel more confident in my abilities and was able to
provide accurate translations for those seeking help.
Interpreting for parent-teacher conferences was a different type of challenge. In this
setting, I had to quickly translate the words of the teacher and the parent in real-time.
This required not only strong language skills, but also the ability to think quickly and
adapt to different speaking styles. Although it was nerve-wracking at first, I soon found
that I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of interpreting and the satisfaction of helping
parents understand their child's education.
or communication with their child's school. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to use
my language skills to help others and to see the gratitude on their faces. Prior to
translating these meetings, I was able to connect with the parents and make sure they
were comfortable with me being there. I was always humbled by the gratitude and relief
I was shown in these special moments.
Overall, my experiences with the BYU Spanish Interpreters and NOMAS have been
invaluable to my growth as a Spanish speaker and as a person. Through these
organizations, I have learned that language is not just a tool for communication, but a
way to connect with others and serve our communities. I have also gained a deeper
appreciation for the importance of translation and interpretation services in the
immigrant community.
As a Spanish major, I know that practicing the language is essential for my future career
goals. However, volunteering with the BYU Spanish Interpreters and NOMAS has
shown me that Spanish is not just a subject to be studied, but a language that can be
used to make a real difference in the lives of others. I am grateful for these opportunities
and look forward to continuing to serve and practice my Spanish in the future.