Many first-generation North Americans must learn to translate for their parents, whose native language is something other than English. According to Sergio Jara, "It's just something you do for your parents."

Although Jara's first language is Spanish, he studied it in middle school and high school because he said he wanted to "perfect it." He had spent his youth translating for his Spanish-speaking parents during trips to the store or by translating mail.

Jara thought his Spanish classes would be effortless, but found he was wrong. "It was easy because I know both languages but that is only part of it because you have to create these skills with these languages to help you," Jara said. Jara wants to attend Eastern Washington University and work as a translator/interpreter part-time while attending school.

Pasco High School' Spanish syllabus says, "Given our global economy, world direction and the diversity of our communities, knowing two languages not only allows for better communication with other people, but also opens doors to many new job opportunities."

A certified court interpreter for the Pasco Municipal Court and Franklin District Court, Lety Mendoza, teaches the Spanish language program at Pasco High. The growth in the interpretation and translation industry is driven by "strong demand in health care settings and work related to homeland security," says Mendoza.

Jara believes the school board should add a number of other languages to the curriculum, including Russian. He indicates the area has a changing population and feels it would "be really cool" for Pasco High to have a large number of interpreters and translators graduating from the school.

29 December 2008