In the workforce, there are people who go to work with the sole purpose of receiving a paycheck. On the other hand, there are many who go to work, not for the paycheck, but for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, and interpreters are prime examples of those who value the impact they make more than what they take home in their paycheck.

With every profession, there are standards to uphold and rules to follow. Medical Interpreting is no exception. The Medical Interpreting field has a solid foundation, based on a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. But, apart from the standards and rules, there is the human side to our profession. As Interpreters, we have fought to have steady work with a liveable wage. However, it is not the quantity of work or the hourly wage, but rather, the quality of our work that matters most. We have even come together to fight for additional legislation that promises better language access, for those whose primary language is not English. Yes, we are professionals. But, we are human first.

We are more than our 3 letter job title of CMI and/or CHI. Although we all interpret different languages, we are ultimately a global community with one voice and one message: WE SAVE LIVES! As colleagues, we work together to promote our profession and help those who want to become a part of the wonderful work that we do every single day. We learn from each other how to perfect our craft. We also lean on each other when it is warranted.

Overtime, the interpreting profession has become more recognizable. It has been deemed both honorable and noble. Many even say that it's selfless. At the end of their workday, interpreters take home the satisfaction of knowing that through their voices, they made a difference. They accomplished what they always set out to do, which is to help save a life or more than one.

At the end of the day, no one can put a price on someone's life. That is why an Interpreter is worth more than their worth.

By: Andrea Parsons, CMI