Meet the Community: Kathleen T.

Meet Kathleen T., a German-to-English translator from Arizona who joined the Community in 2015. Read on to find out more about Kathleen. 

What do you like most about being a part of the Lionbridge Community?

I love translating, and I love learning about other translators in our discussion forums.

How did you get into this field?

I have a Master's degree in German Literature, lived and studied in Germany, and wanted to use my language skills in a way that didn't involve academia. Ironically, I'm currently back in grad school, studying to obtain a Graduate Certificate in German-to-English translation.

What advice would you give your younger self if they were just starting out in this field?

Trust yourself and your instincts more!

Tell us about some of your hobbies and interests.

Genealogy is my major hobby. It's fascinating, like solving complex puzzles, but they are puzzles that bring me closer to my ancestral roots. The research is addictive! I happened to discover, to my surprise, that I directly descend from an American Revolutionary War veteran. That enabled me to join the DAR—Daughters of the American Revolution.

How many languages do you speak, and do you want to learn a new one?

I speak German and English, but would love to go back to the language I was taught in primary school, Italian. The nuns who taught at my Catholic grade school were from Italy, and they were kind enough to teach us some basic conversational expressions. I love the sound and rhythm of the Italian language.

What is your favorite word or phrase in your native language and why is it your favorite?

Azure. In addition to loving the sound of it, I find the word to be so calming and peaceful, and, in my mind's eye, I see the beautiful blue of the ocean in Hawaii.

What is your favorite food and why?

Pizza and cheesecake vie for first place. And what's the common denominator? Cheese! I'm a cheese hound.

What country would you like to travel to and why?

Ireland, to get to know the land of my ancestors—and to do more genealogical research on the spot.