Sometime in the late 90s, Colette observed an interaction at a hospital between a Spanish-speaking patient and an English-speaking medical professional. She noticed clear gaps in communication; the patient, though listening intently, was embarrassed to admit they didn't understand the English medical terms. Realizing the danger of this discrepancy, Colette felt a huge need for language support to improve healthcare services for underrepresented groups.

After working as a unit assistant at Kaiser Permanente and continuing to notice language barriers, she decided to pursue this passion. She chose Chabot College specifically for its fantastic Puente Program, immersing herself in Mexican American history and culture while studying medical terminology, to bridge the gap between patients and providers. In 2001, she completed her certification and became one of the first Spanish medical interpreters hired at Kaiser.

Colette remembers Spanish teacher Francisco Zermeño as an inspiring instructor who used creative ways to engage the entire classroom. Many of her favorite memories were in his class, where he dynamically encouraged growth. She also credits her husband for his support during the many hours of study required to complete her certification.

Colette’s advice to students is: Don't give up on your dreams and surround yourself with people who believe in you. She emphasizes that you are never too old to pursue education; Colette was in her 40s when she attended Chabot, an important part of her journey that fueled personal growth and helped her realize her true beliefs.

Interview Credit: Tomoko Roudebush

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