From Client to Colleague: How Interpretation Services Empowered Brenda to Help Others

When Brenda arrived in Canada from China with her husband and young son in 2022, she expected challenges – new systems, a different language, and a fresh start. But what she didn’t anticipate was how a chance encounter with an interpreter from the Archway Interpretation and Translation Services (ITS) program would not only help her family but inspire a new career path.

Back home in China, Brenda had been a book editor while her husband worked as a maintenance engineer. Life was simple, supported by grandparents helping to raise their child. But the couple sought something different for their son’s future – an education in a new environment and better career opportunities – so they decided to move to Canada.

Arriving in BC, Brenda’s husband was happy to continue working in his field and Brenda got a job at a consulting company. While she appreciated the role, the long commute and limited opportunities to practice English left her feeling disconnected.

“My coworkers at the consulting company all spoke Mandarin, so it was not a good way for me to get involved in an English-speaking world. I came to Canada to learn to be more Canadian, so I had to make a change.”

That change came sooner than expected. After her husband was injured at work, Brenda began accompanying him to medical appointments, often acting as his interpreter. Like many newcomers, they initially relied on translation apps and determination to get by.

“Every time we went to the emergency room or family doctor, we didn’t have any interpreters. We worked really hard with the dictionary and with Google Translate, but it didn’t always help,” said Brenda.

“Many newcomers struggle with navigating interpretation on their own,” said Anastasia Lu, program manager of ITS. “Translation apps might seem convenient, but in sensitive settings like healthcare, they sometimes mistranslate and can’t interpret body language, tone of voice or facial expressions.”

As the appointments became more frequent, balancing them with her son’s school schedule became difficult, so an interpreter from ITS was brought in to help her husband.

“The interpreter from Archway was warm-hearted and helpful,” Brenda said. “My husband asked him about how to become an interpreter because he thought it might be something I’d like. The interpreter gave us the contact for ITS, and I sent in my resume. Now, I’m an interpreter myself. I feel really lucky.”

Brenda’s currently pursuing an interpretation certificate to build on her skills and is committed to becoming a Certified Medical Interpreter who brings both experience and expertise to her clients.

“I’m happy to work with these clients, not only interpreting for them, but also helping them feel safe in an environment where they cannot understand the language and are feeling really scared. So, I think Archway is a milestone in my career and in my life in Canada.”

“Professional interpreters like Brenda bring human connection, encouragement, and inspiration to the conversation that translation apps just can’t match. That personal touch makes a big difference in helping patients feel understood and supported,” said Anastasia.

For Brenda, this work is more than a job – it’s a deeply human experience. Focusing on interpretations within the medical field, Brenda interprets for clients who are sometimes going through life-changing medical diagnoses.

“Some of my clients are going through cancer or injuries, and even though they suffer, they’re so positive and kind. They thanked me just for being there. It gives me strength and motivation,” said Brenda.

As a former client, Brenda understands firsthand the relief and confidence that interpretation brings. As an interpreter, she brings empathy, flexibility, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Her dream is to continue growing in the field, earn certification, and stay connected to ITS and Archway.  

“I know a lot of people who had professional careers in China – engineers, lawyers, tax experts – but they can’t continue here because of the barriers. I feel so fortunate to work here so thank you so much for giving me the opportunity.”