Patricia moved to America and learned a new language. Here’s how the library helped.

Patricia made a big leap many years ago: moving to a country that largely didn’t speak her native language. Since then, she has learned how to speak English and supported her community by becoming a medical interpreter – a liaison between any patients who speak Spanish and English speaking medical professionals. Here’s how the library helped her make the big jump in moving to the United States, where she has become naturalized as an American citizen.

What resources at the library did you use to help you learn English? What would you recommend to a new learner?

I used books from the library, anything I could read that it was of interest to me and any subject, from novels to books of the masters, to crafts magazines, and newspapers. Anything I could read in English and further my understanding of it. I had learned the basics back in Mexico City. I came to Little Rock as an exchange student to with a student visa. I enrolled at UALR as I was entering my second semester in college back in Mexico. I needed to learn more English.

What has been the hardest part about learning a new language?

The hardest part of learning a second language is: you understand first. At least in my case, I understood, and then had to build up the courage and words to respond. And of course, it’s important to work on the pronunciation so people can understand what you are saying. 

What do you love most about your new life as an American citizen?

What do I like the most about being an American citizen? My husband, my children, and my grandchildren, and now my great grand baby are proud of me and know that I am fully committed to this country. I can voice my opinions and concerns by voting. I respect and love this country for the family that I have. My husband served in the military and through him I learned to love it too. I love the freedoms that we still have, and we need to keep protecting these precious freedoms. 

You are a certified medical interpreter for UAMS. What drew you to that line of work?

I was taking a friend to be checked for her pregnancy. It was a high risk… She was pregnant with twins. I called to make her the appointment. On the day of the appointment, I was interpreting for her in Spanish, and the nurse practitioner who happened to be taking care of my friend, mentioned that they were in a great need of an interpreter. Without me knowing, she went to get the manager, and she offered me a job right there.  I have worked for UAMS for almost 20 years as a certified medical interpreter. I went to school and certified with them. Best decision ever. 

What resources were you most surprised to learn that the Saline County Library offers?

The resources that Saline libraries offer are awesome! What surprised me the most? All of them! I can go and do yoga, build something with tools I check out, or I can check books without leaving my house. Or go to the library and check wonderful books. I can make copies, apply for a passport, use the internet and the computers… and I can go on! I love my library and all it does for our community. I always have used it and my children do too. When they were off from school for the summer, we would check out many, many books. They all love reading and it helped them tremendously in school. Now as adults they still love reading.