Translating simple actions into great changes

Tania Lisseth Rojas ‘24
Hometown: Miami, FL
Major: Human Biology
Communications Intern, Glacier National Park Conservancy 

After almost a year and a half spending humongous amounts of time in front of my computer, I could neither learn much nor find ways to be helpful while just sitting in my desktop chair. Even though spending additional time in front of my computer’s screen did not excite me at first, I have found enjoyment in learning about the Glacier National Park Conservancy. Being able to share such knowledge and beauty with people, who like me, speak Spanish, humbled me, and helped me realize that I want a career that helps people and connects them with one another.  

Part of my job was informing myself about Glacier National Park and Glacier Conservancy. Thus, when I read the information on the website, I stopped for a moment and put myself in the position I was four years ago, when I barely knew English. I realized how complicated it could have been for me to understand. I would have felt lost. In that moment, it hit me. Even though I am working at home, on my computer, just translating information. I am doing an important job. 

Translating the information from Glacier National Park will help both the people of the West and the American people in general. People from the West, especially the park’s staff members, will see an increase in visitor diversity, and more people will know about the wonders that Montana offers. For people in general, especially those that speak Spanish, the translated information will not only facilitate their planning process but also symbolize that their language, their culture, is not something out of the ordinary. People that speak Spanish can look at the website and notice a little bit of their culture reflected on the screen. 

Before starting this internship, I had heard the phrase “small actions make huge chances.” And amid this experience, I can testify that such a message plays out in the current work I am doing. The information that I translate varies from conservation advice to general information about the park. And when I think of all the people that will understand such information more properly and practice it, I realize that my work can flourish into bigger changes. 

Throughout this process I have learned to be patient, with myself mostly. I have learned to trust the process and have faith that the fatigue from being in front of a screen is rewarding when I read the finished product. I have learned to enjoy my virtual job by imagining that I am venturing in all the fun activities I translate and trusting that one day I will experience such paradise in person.

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