14 May Finding Your Clan

Finding Your Clan

By Reme Bashi

We are immersed in a society that values independence, however, learning the value of developing a tight-knit web of people around you might just be what we need as professionals and as humans.  Life has given me several reminders recently on the importance of surrounding yourself with a group of humans who share a common interest and care for each other.  In other words, having a clan.  What I mean by clan, is that smaller cluster of humans within your professional nation whom you consult, trust and may even share a friendship with.

Before I found my way to judiciary interpreting, I walked other professional paths. Most of these jobs naturally created spaces for people of the same profession to spend time together and share work concerns as well as establish personal connections.  The teacher’s room and the newsroom are good examples of spaces where conversations about work flow and friendships develop. Court interpreting, on the other hand, can often be an isolating profession. We are traveling to assignments or have no dedicated space for private conversations with colleagues.  We often work with a partner but sometimes don’t get much interaction time. I strongly believe a profession without strong networks of people is like a ship without a crew—adrift at the mercy of the ocean for direction. So, how can we build these much-needed relationships and how can they give our ship direction?

Here are some things that have worked for me.

I hope you find some of them useful.

1. Reach Out

It might go against your nature if you’re an introvert but believe me it is worth the effort. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to connect if you simply ask, “Can we meet for coffee?” I know we’re all busy running our own businesses and working staff jobs, but making time to connect with colleagues is also an important part of our professional growth. 

If you’re new to the profession, find a mentor.  Many seasoned interpreters are willing to take the time to guide you as you make your way into this ecosystem. Did you move? Get connected with interpreters in your new area. Find out how they operate so you’re not swimming upstream.

If you’re a seasoned interpreter, you already know each courtroom runs slightly differently to the next, not to mention the variation between counties and states. These days, many of us are working remotely in more than one state.  Even if you haven’t moved, reach out to colleague in the new state or county you’re working in.  It’s like moving into a new neighborhood.  You’ll be regarded as a good new colleague if you introduce yourself and try to find out more about the new environment you’re entering.  Learn about the business side, professional challenges of your new colleagues and achievements they’ve had as a group.  Often, interpreters in certain states or counties have a group on social media or use phone apps to communicate, ask to get added.  With a few exceptions, I have found people are receptive to a new interpreter reaching out. 

2. Identify Key Players

We are all key players in this profession! 

Identify who are your go-to people when it comes to matters of policy, standards, particular linguistic tools, business and emotional support.  Every one of our colleagues is a key player in a certain domain in our field.  Keep an open mind when you interact with other interpreters.  We may not agree on everything with everyone, but most of the time we can support each other in a certain area.  Be intentional in brewing a collaborative culture with interpreters in your circle and beyond.

3. Trust and Support

Sometimes we trust and support people or causes that don’t deserve it.  Don’t let that discourage you.  I’m willing to bet the more you trust others, the more you support others, your clan will show up for you.  Ours is a profession where there are constant challenges.  We do a job not many can comprehend, we face constant vicarious trauma, sometimes we navigate uncertain waters as independent contractors, and on top of that, the work we do is mentally exhausting.  Few people will understand that and support you.  We are a resilient crowd, nevertheless, we would all benefit from a network of trust and support.  Be mindful of offering that safety net to your colleagues.

Some people like to keep personal and professional matters very separate. Some people don’t mind commingling those areas of life.  Whichever you prefer, today is a good day to start looking for your clan.

I’m so grateful I have a clan to lean on.  They are my trusted colleagues, my business advisors, my sounding boards, and dear friends. 

To all of the people in my clan, ¡Gracias!

You know who you are.

Together we steer our ship to shore.

༄ ⋆｡˚ ⚓   ˚｡⋆༄

Keep the Conversation Going

If this topic resonated with you, be sure to check out our previous blog posts for more insights on the realities of our profession, and the evolving world of judiciary translation and interpreting:

A woman with a warm smile in the autumn sunlight

Reme Bashi

Blog Writer and Proofreader

Hello, everyone, I’m Reme Bashi, and I have been a certified court interpreter in Wisconsin since 2008. My career began in Mexico, where I majored in pedagogy at the University of Veracruz and transitioned from language teaching to interpreting and translation. Over the years, I have gained experience in education, manufacturing, legal, and community settings, including conference interpreting for media and government events. I’m passionate about continuous learning, which I believe is essential for growth in our profession. Recently, I have ventured into areas like hospitality, urban gardening, and ancestry research, enriching my perspective as an interpreter and writer. I look forward to contributing content that sparks dialogue and deepens our understanding of the field.