You might think this is a story about overcoming poverty and making millions. It’s not. But in a way, I feel more prosperous than I ever imagined.

Mar 18

Before the sun rose, we were already on our way to the flea market. We stopped at Mi Pueblo for fresh-out-the-oven bolillos, the warmth still clinging to the paper bag. Before heading out, my mom had woken up early to make smashed beans and hot chocolate. The rich aroma filled the air as I helped her set up the stand while my sisters huddled under blankets, waiting for breakfast. The mornings were chilly, and waking up before 6 a.m. on weekends felt unbearable—but this was our routine.

I didn’t think much of it then—just another weekend helping my mom. I certainly wasn’t thinking about the lessons I’d carry with me or the path I’d eventually take.

You might think this is a story about overcoming poverty and making millions.

It’s not.

But in a way, I feel more prosperous than I ever imagined.

Where It All Began

Growing up, Spanish was the language I was taught at home—not because it was my family’s first language, but because it was the most practical. My parents' native language is Purépecha, yet by the time I was six, navigating three languages at once confused me in school. I struggled with all three.

It was thanks to my eldest sister that I continued speaking Spanish. If not for her, I don’t know what language I’d feel most connected to today. But that’s another story—one I’ll save for later.

Like many first-generation Mexican-Americans, I faced an identity crisis. It wasn’t just about language but about figuring out where I belonged, what I wanted to do, and navigating a world my parents had never walked.

The First Step: Education

I always knew I wanted to pursue higher education. The problem was that I had no idea how or what to study. All I knew was that I had to go to college.

So, I latched onto the first career that made sense—nursing.

Somehow, I ended up in a high school focused on the medical field, where I took classes like medical terminology, sports medicine, anatomy and physiology, and even medical office administration. It felt like I was on the right track.

After graduating, I still wasn’t sure if nursing was my true path, but I wanted to give it a shot. So, I got a medical assistant certificate to test the waters before committing.

That experience taught me a lot, but here’s a fun fact: I didn’t even last a year in the field.

The Moment Everything Changed

Bathroom selfie during one of my interpreting assignments.

While working at a doctor’s office, I saw a translator walk in with a patient. I had no idea the difference between a translator and an interpreter at the time. All I knew was that something about it clicked.

I had spent my whole life interpreting for my parents and family members. It was second nature. But the idea that I could actually get paid to do it? That was life-changing.

I quit my job, applied for a “translator” position (a medical interpreter role), passed the language test, and got hired.

For the first time, I felt like I was doing something that truly mattered.

Finding My True Calling

I spent years working as a qualified medical interpreter, loving every moment. But over time, I noticed something—my body couldn’t handle the demands of in-person interpreting. The long hours, the physical strain, and the constant emotional toll of the medical setting started to take a toll on me.

I tried over-the-phone (OPI) and video remote interpreting (VRI), but something felt off. It wasn’t the same.

I had always considered interpreting and translating, but after reflecting on what I truly valued, I realized that translation was the path I wanted to commit to in the long term. It aligned more with my goals, my health, and my future.

So, for my undergraduate degree, I majored in Spanish.

Graduated from Arizona State University with a Spanish bachelor’s degree.

At first, I thought I’d become a professor, a writer, or maybe even return to interpreting. But after much trial and error, I finally found my answer: I wanted to be a translator.

What This Journey Has Taught Me

Now, I’m here—building a career in translation, sharing what I’ve learned, and hoping to help others like me who are struggling to find their path.

No, this isn’t a “rags-to-riches” story in the traditional sense. But I’ve come to realize that wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about knowledge, experience, and the ability to carve out a life that feels fulfilling.

Every so-called failure, every uncertainty, every pivot along the way has pointed me in the right direction.

And for that, I feel rich.

If there's one thing my journey has taught me, it's that learning never stops. I’ll forever be a student and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thank you for making it this far. I hope my story reminds you that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away—sometimes, the best paths reveal themselves when you least expect them.