July 28, 2022 by Cassandra Johnson
Nice how often I get to and got to play interpreter before I more recently became a full-time freelance translator. I will say translation (writing) is my preferred method, but the prior practice and interactions were catalysts for one of my ultimate goals and sometimes just background settings.
Language immersion has been my joy. Writing and reading is a sweet escape and pieces of an intellectual high. I participated comfortingly in the literary interpretation discussions we would have in class over any number of themes: the classics in Greek, Shakespeare, (oh the word play – what sometimes seemed liked translating English into more English was its own sport), history, art, literature from every continent, our own social studies with humanity interlacing our pains.
Challenging was fascinating too. I liked the debates.
I listened and was listened to. Perspectives.
Real life finally became more of what I wanted. Debating, interpreting and translating. Peru was one of the foremost backdrops. I gained more momentum and motivation especially about what I really want to do with my life.
One spontaneous day was taping for the nearby local television station in Paracas. A second surprise was interpreting at another nearby city’s local community center. I felt thoroughly caught off guard by the NGO Director but to his credit, if he had told me, I probably would have gotten fairly nervous and performed a lot less naturally. I would have second guessed myself about publicly speaking in my native language as well.
The first was just an interview but since I did not know the extent of what people would be inquiring about at the community center, I was able to focus on what everyone brought me in the moment. I could present what he was saying in his overall speech from English to Spanish and in turn, let him know what their questions and comments were.
When people are looking at you and waiting, the rest of the day suddenly seems irrelevant. Before I really was aware of the practice of being present, so many moments like this got me there. They happened a lot when I was living remotely and just volunteering and just sitting near the fire in the cool desert evenings. Moments suddenly just happened and there was no thought of needing more entertainment than we could provide ourselves.
Another part of my life goals was laid out before me. Thanks to David for tricking me (I was not the only one). Sometimes we just do not know all we are capable of until we are called to do so much more.