Grateful Student Story: Jamie Perez

I am a first-generation Guatemalan-American Aultman College graduate. This is not simply my own accomplishment, but my family’s as well. Growing up, my first language was Spanish — that was all I knew before starting school. As I progressed, English became my primary language, with Spanish spoken only at home with my family and relatives.

Applying to the radiography program was the best decision I have ever made. It not only gave me the opportunity to learn about diagnostic imaging in the healthcare field, but also allowed me to meet some of the most caring and thoughtful individuals.

Over the course of my program, I have encountered patients who come into the hospital and don’t speak English. They need someone to help translate but often have no one with them. Each time I interacted with these patients, I was reminded of my own family and the experiences they had in similar settings.

The hospital can be a scary place; it’s full of unknowns. That fear is amplified when someone cannot fully understand what medical professionals are doing or saying due to a language barrier. As a bilingual individual, I have personally seen how important it is to understand and speak two languages while attending Aultman College. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with amazing individuals and help them navigate the obstacles they faced in the hospital.

My first experience translating at the hospital is a moment I will carry with me throughout my career.

It was a priority one trauma in the Emergency Department (ED). As a student, I observe and help technologists however I can. I would never anticipate the role I’d play in this patient’s care before walking into the room. Due to the trauma’s status, multiple departments were present. I had never seen so many people surrounding one patient, and I was in awe of how calmly and efficiently they worked together.

Amid the organized chaos, staff were trying to set up the virtual interpreter — also known as MARTI/IRIS — but due to the noise and the number of people in the room, the patient couldn’t hear what was being said. This created a real challenge. The patient was trying to speak, but no one could fully understand her — and she couldn’t understand them.

As I stood waiting for the physician to order X-rays, I felt the urge to speak up. I turned to my clinical instructor and told her I spoke Spanish and would be happy to help. She informed the doctor and nurses, and they welcomed the support. I stepped closer to the patient and began translating. There was no hesitation as I switched between English and Spanish, relaying the medical team's words and helping the patient feel heard and understood.

That moment showed me the importance of advocating for patients and the power of speaking up.

This experience is just one example of the personal and professional growth I’ve gained while attending Aultman College. I’ve developed greater confidence in myself and a deeper sense of purpose, not just for me, but also for the patients I’ll care for in the future.