If you were to write a brief wiki article about yourself, what facts and personal characteristics would you include?
I’m Argentine; I was born in a town, which I had to leave to pursue my graduate studies. I hold a degree in translation studies from Universidad de la Plata. Because of my profession, I have always wanted to travel, so as to practice the language, to get to know different people, their cultures. After visiting the United States, I decided to travel to Europe, and for me, Europe meant London! This is the city where I actually live, and where I originally came to strengthen my language skills – and, three years ago, where I found love. I travelled from the other side of the world to fall in love with an Argentine here! I work for the Argentine Embassy, in the Administrative and Legal Affairs Department. I get translation assignments now and then. This job lets me be in contact with a lot of people from my home country, of course; so I’m still in touch with my culture.
What is your role at TWB?
I’m in charge of bookkeeping; in fact my role is to assist Françoise, who is the Treasurer, to register monetary transactions. At first, I registered with Translators without Borders to be a volunteer translator, but I guess my language combination (English <> Spanish) is not as requested as often as language pairs, so I felt I was not being as active as I would have liked. I heard that TWB was looking for someone to help in this position, and this role gave me an opportunity to participate more actively.
What has motivated you to help TWB?
Due to my profession, as a translator, I started to look around at what was going on in the translation industry. I am a true believer in Translators without Borders’ cause. I believe information can save lives; I believe in the power of the word and the power of communication. It feels good to contribute to a cause that is quite related to my profession and that I believe in. As my current position in the Embassy involves being in charge of administration, I felt I had the expertise to do the same for TWB.
How is a day in your life like?
Well, I have regular office hours, a 9-to-5 job. Here in London, days seem so short! Perhaps it has to do with the hustle and bustle of city life, I don’t know. After work, we sometimes go out with friends; I try to keep a gym routine (with no success at all!); I devote myself to volunteering tasks and maybe a couple of translation assignments. My favorite moment of the day is to prepare some mates (a typical Argentine beverage made up of herbs and hot water, usually to share with friends) to share with my boyfriend and to talk about our day.
How do you squeeze in time for your volunteer tasks?
I don’t really have a routine or any scheduled time. I just do it whenever I can. My role mainly involves communications via e-mail – which I can complete in any spare moment, even at work – everything is through the Internet. If the task is more time-consuming, I set aside some time during the evening or some Saturday or Sunday morning. It doesn’t feel like a job to me; I really enjoy it.
What do you consider are the challenges ahead for your role and for TWB?
Translators without Borders is growing fast, and it’s good that it does. This means more volume, more tasks, more issues to cope with. All these are positive indicators; it means we are achieving our goals. It’s good to face challenges.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining a cause like TWB?
Just do it; it is worthwhile. I don’t consider it a job; it’s a contribution. It makes me feel good with myself. Even if the contribution is small, it can definitely make the difference for other people and it’s a huge satisfaction for oneself. There are so many different areas and aspects where people can offer their volunteer job in Translators without Borders, and anything counts.
Could you tell us a bit about team work and personal relationships with other members of TWB?
Françoise brought order and a system in relation to TWB’s administration. There are so many responsibilities. We are in contact all the time. I’m also in contact with Rebecca and Anne-Marie. Even when we are located in so many different parts of the world, I feel part of this team – they make me feel part of the team. They’ve always been so supportive; they allow me freedom to work. It feels great to belong to TWB’s team.
What do you feel is your greatest achievement within TWB and beyond TWB so far and what is your biggest dream in life?
Mmm…. No particular landmark comes to my mind right now; instead I think of everyday achievements and efforts. As to my personal life, of course I’d love to be a successful translator, but my biggest dream is to have a beautiful and happy family. That would be my perfect picture of personal accomplishment.
Target shooting
In paper: Just anything; variety is the spice of life.
On the web: Not a Web fan, but a little bit of social media to have some fun!
Open-air activity: Whenever I can, I go walking, especially along the riverside.
With friends: Dinner and great conversation.
Family gathering: Christmas for sure! I miss spending Christmas with my family in Argentina.