I still recall the moment when I became my mother’s second voice. We were at the doctor’s office and my mother was explaining my symptoms to the doctor. The doctor, however, looked puzzled. Weakly, I heard my mother try again, “My son… feel not so good… help him please.” The doctor remained at a loss for words. My mother’s gaze shifted from him and then to me—it was silent, yet powerful. At that moment, I realized what I needed to do. I had to step in and be their bridge. 

At the mere age of six, such a responsibility felt tremendous. It was never a role that I asked for but it is one that many children in immigrant families take on. Over the years, I have seen others in my community—parents, elders, and newcomers—struggle with language barriers in hospitals and schools. On every trip to the hospital with my mother, I began to take note of the growing rows of patients who needed translators. Many were distraught, attempting to communicate with the receptionists on their own but getting nowhere. Some were on frantic calls while others sat in silence, their eyes empty. Each visit reinforced the harsh truth, that the lack of translators meant that many individuals would not receive proper healthcare, guidance, or support. Witnessing this firsthand at a young age has inspired me to pursue a future where I can bridge the language gap.

After high school, I plan to study International Studies with a focus on language and cultural diplomacy. I plan to attend UMKC and major in both Spanish and French and minor in International Studies. My goal is to become a professional translator and advocate for language accessibility in public settings. Currently, I speak five languages, including Arabic and Urdu, both of which are widely spoken in my community. Learning other languages and understanding different cultures will allow me to become a versatile translator, serving diverse communities and expanding my impact. My experiences as an informal translator for my mother have already shown me the power of communication, and I want to take this further by gaining formal education in translation, linguistics, and global affairs. I plan to use UMKC’s study abroad and internship opportunities to gain practical experience. Ultimately, through my college education, I hope to turn my passion into action.

With a degree in International Studies and fluency in multiple languages, I will be able to address the language barrier that many in my community struggle with. I hope to work with local hospitals, schools, and public offices to establish accessible translation services so that no one feels unheard or misunderstood. Through study abroad opportunities and internships offered at UMKC, I hope to expand my global perspective and gain the cultural knowledge to advocate for policies promoting language accessibility, ensuring that there are translators at every hospital, every school, and every public institution. Beyond translation work, I want to collaborate with community organizations to offer free or low-cost translation services, especially for immigrants and non-English speakers. I also hope to introduce policies that require public institutions to prioritize language accessibility, ensuring that no one is denied the services they have a right to because of a language barrier. My future education will lay the groundwork for these changes and allow me to be several steps closer to the meaningful impact I want to make on my community.

As a life-long translator, I’ve realized the act is more than just interpreting words. It’s also about accessibility, dignity, and equity—especially when it comes to serving my community. I’ve witnessed my mother struggle with language barriers all my life, seeing how it made her feel powerless. I am determined to change that for others. No one should be denied services they are entitled to due to a language barrier. My future education will equip me with the knowledge and skills to create solutions that guarantee that every person, regardless of the language they speak, can feel heard and seen in society. I look forward to establishing a future where communication is not a privilege but a right for everyone, and I am ready to be the spark for that change.