Raphael Garcia
Volunteer Interpreter
Why is Esperanza’s mission important to you?
My parents immigrated to the US and Canada and sacrificed a lot to give my brother and I better opportunities. It means a lot to me to be able to help others who come here searching for a better life, similar to how my parents had immigrated to the US.
What does Esperanza mean to you/ why did you choose to work for Esperanza?
Esperanza is exactly that for me-- hope for myself and for others. As an interpreter, I choose to work for Esperanza to uplift others and advocate, and especially aid clients in advocating for themselves. Having lived abroad, I know what it's like to live in a country where your expression and command of the language is limited. In those moments, I felt vulnerable, and at times frustrated with myself when I couldn't express my own needs. For asylum seekers, the stakes are that much higher for one to be able to share one's life story. If I can act as a bridge for language in order to transmit hope through action, then I've fulfilled my role as an interpreter.
What is one memorable experience you have had working with Esperanza?
I came to the office to assist in interpreting for an asylum declaration as a budding interpreter. It was one of my first interpreting opportunities ever. I remember thinking: How was it that we were supposed to harness the tumultuous nature of one's life onto a piece of paper, and I was the one to translate their struggles? Nevertheless, I gathered my thoughts and was determined to finish the session. After all, I was there to do the job I am qualified for! The client themselves told a traumatic story about their reasons for fleeing their home and searching for a new life here in the US. I carry a part of that trauma with me, having listened intently to their words throughout that short session, intent on doing the best job I could. Hearing their story reminded me of the sacrifices my own parents and grandparents made for my family to come to America before I was even born. When I left the office that day, I remember feeling conflicted that I was not proficient enough in my duties as an interpreter. A few weeks later, I had gotten a call from the lawyer on that case that our client had won their asylum case. For me, that will forever serve as a reminder that I was in the right place at the right time, doing what I needed to do for others. I'm grateful to Esperanza for the opportunity to help build my confidence and for providing me a platform upon which I could practice advocacy for others.
Name one fun fact about yourself!
Fun fact: I am not a native Spanish speaker! I studied Spanish throughout school and it was one of my majors in college. I also lived in Spain prior to becoming an interpreter. Southern California has always been home and is the intersection of so many cultures and languages, growing up here made it feel like anything was possible. That is how I landed on interpretation as a career.