MCIS AGM 2013

The languages should not be removed - they should be celebrated so the cross-language knowledge sharing practices amongst global communities can be sustained. 

For demonstrated excellence in an effective cross-cultural communication, motivation, perseverance and commitment to both, advocacy on behalf of people with limited language access and raising the awareness about quality standards in professional interpreting we are granting this year MCIS Award of Excellence for Exceptional Commitment to Overcoming Language Barriers to our wonderful, dedicated interpreter at the Scarborough Hospital, Kelly Zhang.

 

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Kelly Zhang immigrated to Canada when she was 12 years old.

Limited to only twenty six alphabetic letters to express how she feels and thinks,  she understood immediately the depth of challenges of a person who is facing language barriers. 

After years of hard work, in 2007, she committed herself to “remove language barriers” to the best to her ability. She also grew in determination to help others serving as a liaison between those who are in desperate need to be heard and of those who can help to interpret their messages.

She credits her persistence in schooling to the guidance of her wonderful teacher Judy Abraham and the entire MCIS team who motivated her endlessly to stay on track and eventually complete the Mandarin and Cantonese Interpreter Certificate.  She still remembers, however, the time when she was called in for her first assignment and Vladimir provided details of the work: while she was trembling with fear, (delete being) unsure of herself he simply said “Kelly I know this is your first assignment, but you’ll do well”. And she did.

Now in her 6th year in professional interpretation field (and 2nd as a medical interpreter with Scarborough Hospital), Kelly’s confidence did increase. However, this is a highly complex field that keeps you on the tip of your toes constantly. You need to learn, listen and remain compassionate. The way to succeed is not only to give all the help you can but also  to accept help when needed. This network of relationships found at MCIS will keep her going for many years to come.