Hannah Josephson Graduated from North: 2016
Undergraduate College: Louisiana Tech University
Majors: French & Political Science
Minor: History
Graduate College: New York University School of Professional Studies
Graduate Program: M.S. in Translation and Interpreting
Classes taken at North:
Every French class I could! I went through a lot of hard times in high school and Madame Cook’s classroom was always my much-needed happy place.
Languages fluent in: English and French.
Internship: I’m just starting my second semester as a Lingual Analyst for an organization called Nonviolence International-NY. I’ve also passed the first step in the application process to be a translation intern for the United Nations — my dream job.
Awards:
Certificat de Mérite for Outstanding Support of the Promotion of the French Language and Francophone Culture and Civilization (2018)
Louisiana Tech Institutional Nominee for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship (2019)
Clubs:
Entre Nous (French Club) at University of Minnesota Morris (Where I did PSEO my senior year)
I served as Treasurer
French Club at Louisiana Tech University
I served as Treasurer for one year and Vice-President for the next two.
Volunteering:
I was able to assist an organization in communicating with a boy held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while he awaited trial. I translated several documents and letters and interpreted the social visits between the boy and organization volunteers. Thanks to their tireless work, he was granted asylum.
Alexis Hafner Abbott Graduated from North: 2002
Undergraduate College:
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Graduate: College:
University of St. Thomas (MA Curriculum Instruction)
University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (MA Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education)
Major: Spanish
Career:
I taught Spanish for 10 years at the middle school and high school levels in MN and CO. I switched content areas four years ago and now teach English as a Second Language to high school students in CO. I still use my Spanish on a daily basis with students and their families.
Classes in world language taken at North:
Spanish 1-3
Languages fluent in: Spanish
Chengleng Xiong Graduated From North: 2013
College: Minnesota State University, Mankato
Major: Psychology
Minor: Social Worker
Internship: Oulunkylän Englanninkielinen päiväkoti, Helsinki, Finland- Kindergarten English Teacher
Career: Case Management at Hennepin County.
Classes taken at North: EL Classes
Languages spoken: Hmong, Thai and English
Clubs:
National Youth Advisory Council, MN,
National Youth Advisory Cabinet, Missouri,
Youth Leadership Council ISD 622, Student Council,
Honors Society,
Awards
June M. Johnson Study Abroad Scholarship
Gilman International Scholarships
Dean’s list
HOBY’s Minnesota Youth Outstanding Award
Minnesota Red Wagon Award
District 622 Youth Service Award
Career Journey...Joseph Rojas Jr. Graduated from North: 2014
College: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Major: Global Studies, French Studies, Spanish-Portuguese Studies
Internships & Student Jobs: As an undergraduate, Joseph spent a semester as a Refugee & Immigrant Program Intern at The Advocates for Human Rights, where he later served as a volunteer interpreter/translator. He also held several positions across the Spanish, Portuguese, and French camps at Concordia Language Villages, including Academic-Year Counselor, Lead Teacher, Transportation Assistant, and Senior Counselor. As a senior, he was the Peer Advisor for the Department of Spanish & Portuguese Studies at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
Study Abroad: Joseph spent the summer of 2015 in Florianópolis, Brazil studying Portuguese. Inspired by North’s own Sra. Lariviere speaking so fondly of her experience as a Rotary Youth Exchange student there, he spent the fall semester of 2015 in Mérida, Venezuela. Finally, he spent the spring semester of 2017 in Nantes, France.
Career: Currently participating in the Atlantic Council’s Young Global Professionals Program, Joseph is interning for the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. This is a new initiative of the Atlantic Council designed to provide exceptional young people with in-depth exposure to international affairs and an opportunity to play an active role in shaping real-world solutions to global challenges. In 2020, Joseph worked for Hennepin County as an Elections Assistant and staffed one of the COVID-19 isolation hotels during the months between the presidential and state primaries, during which time he had the opportunity to serve residents who spoke Spanish, French, and ASL. After graduating from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Joseph was a multilingual Legal Assistant at the immigration firm, Wilson Law Group, in Minneapolis. There, he provided case management and paralegal services for clients from various Spanish, French, and Portuguese-speaking countries until he departed to teach English at a university in northeastern Brazil as a Fulbright ETA.
Classes in world language taken at North: Spanish I - CIS Spanish IV, French III - CIS French IV, ASL Club
Languages fluent in: Spanish, Portuguese, French
Awards:
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award, U.S. Department of State, Brazil 2019
Best Scholarly Presentation, Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Conference, Institute for Global Studies, 2018
Outstanding Community Engagement Award, Department of Spanish & Portuguese Studies, 2018
Manoel Miranda Scholarship, Institute for Global Studies, 2016
Margaret J. Talle Scholarship for Study Abroad in French, Department of French and Italian, 2016
U.S. Department of Education Foreign Language & Area Studies Fellowship, Brazil 2015
Joyce Eckman Davis Scholarship for Language Study Abroad, 2015
Emily (Huntley) Sendelbach Graduated from North: 2011
College: Augustana University
Major: Nursing and Spanish
Career: Currently a Registered Nurse in a cardiac catheterization lab in Omaha, NE. I previously worked in Sioux Falls, SD on a surgical/trauma floor for two years and in the emergency department as a charge nurse for three years. There is a large hispanic population in Sioux Falls, so being bilingual was a very valuable asset. While working on the surgical/trauma floor I used my Spanish skills frequently to communicate with patients about their care and needs. When I was a triage nurse in the ED I was able to quickly decipher a Spanish-speaking patient’s chief complaint and brief medical history. This was a great benefit to the patient as they did not have to be delayed while a virtual interpreter was contacted.
Classes at North:
Spanish for all four years, including CIS Spanish my senior year.
Languages fluent in: Spanish
Awards/clubs/internships etc.:
In college I was a Spanish tutor for a student and involved in multiple organizations, such as the Augustana Student Nurse Association and Union Board of Governors. I was a student nurse intern during the summer of 2014. In my professional career I have achieved becoming a Certified Emergency Nurse and Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse. I was also nominated for Nurse of the Year in the category of Competency in 2019.
Beth Pottratz Graduated From North: 2005
College: Winona State University, Winona MN (Undergrad), Luther Seminary, Saint Paul MN (Masters)
Major: Spanish Teaching BS, Masters of Divinity (Theology and Church Leadership)
Career: Church Pastor and Chaplain
Classes taken at North: Spanish 1-5
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Awards/clubs/internships etc.
Places where speaking 2 languages has taken me in life
I studied abroad in Granada, Spain for a year. And got to travel to 12 different countries in Europe while I was living in Spain.
I was able to live and work in Montevideo Uruguay for a year. While I was there, I made some strong friendships and was able to work with kids better because I was already fluent in Spanish.
I was a high school Spanish teacher for five years. I got to share my love of travel and cultures with my students.
As a pastor, I've been able to share a message of love and hope in both Spanish and English, preaching, teaching and caring for others. in English and Spanish.
Through the church I have gotten to host people from Honduras and travel to visit them in their home churches in Honduras because I was only one of two people fluent in both Spanish and English that the exchange team knew.
Because of Spanish. I am able to maintain friendships internationally with people from all over Latin America and the United States that I have met along the way.
I led Bible study with prison inmates because I speak Spanish.
I have built friendships with people that I would not have otherwise met if I hadn't spoken Spanish.
I have been able to help people who are lost or confused but didn't speak enough English to ask the questions that they needed to ask to get the help that they needed., so I was able to be their translator and get their answers.
I get to pass my language skills on to the next generation by teaching my children. Spanish so they grow up. To become more fluent than I because they started at a younger age.
I have impressed countless numbers of little kids by counting to 100 in Spanish.
Latinx Youth Conference
Shaping Our Future | Formando Nuestro Futuro
The Latinx Youth Conference is an exciting opportunity for high school and college students to engage with Minnesota's top Latinx professionals while building confidence, identifying skills and interests, and exploring future careers. Conference participants will be entered into a raffle for prizes (including Apple Airpods, Chromebooks, VISA gift cards, and more!).
January 23, 2021
10 am – 2 pm
Virtual via Zoom (Link sent following registration)
There is no cost for admission, but space is limited.
- Learn about yourself and your strengths.
- Hear inspiring stories and get advice from Latinx professionals.
- Participate in interesting and informative workshops.
For more information: youthconference@clues.org | 651-379-4200
Tanya (Zwald) Schuh | Youth in Action (YA!) Program Manager
CLUES - Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio | 797 E. 7th St., St. Paul, MN 55106 | www.clues.org
651.379.4235 (office) | 715.338.2932 (cell) | 651.292.0347 (fax) | tschuh@clues.org
Latinx Club
NOTE NEW TIMES: We meet from 12:30-1:30pm on Tuesdays
Need more information on how to join? Contact:
Maria Vazquez 218872@isd622.org
Ms Berit bengstrom@isd622.org
Post Secondary Programs
University of MN
Bicultural Liaison Naomi Yang
Career Journey -
I have been working as an Independent contractor for over 10 plus years in the State of Minnesota as a Hmong Court Interpreter. Specifically in juvenile court along the lines of truancy. I’ve become passionate about bridging the gap among parents, students, and all stakeholders who are the foundation in building a well-rounded education in a holistic environment and wanted to be a part of this change, which has brought me here and I am proud to be a part of District 622.
What Languages you speak?
Hmong and English
Brief description of what you do?
Enhance the experience for stakeholders, facilitate communication between minority students, their families, and 622 staff. Encourage and empower all minorities to become active participants in the educational activities and programs of their children. And most importantly, ensure a successful educational experience for all minority students.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is being able to bridge that gap for students and their families by enhancing their educational experience. I love it because everyone shares the same vision and contributes to the same mission, which gives me a satisfying feeling.
What advice would you give to young adults today?
“Tsuas muaj tus ntses lawv tus dej, tsis muaj tus dej lawv tus ntses.” In Hmong proverbs, this translates as “There are only fishes that follow the river, there are no rivers that follow the fish.” The meaning behind this proverb is that one should seek and continue to follow the educational pathway as it shall unlock the doors of great opportunities.
Bicultural Liaison Ibrahim Abukar
Career Journey - I went to St Cloud State University and received a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. After graduating, I looked for a job that would allow me to establish a fulfilling career that was dedicated to serving others. I had not imagined myself as an educator until I learned more about the profession. I have learned that being an educator requires integrity, patience, respect, and professionalism.
What Languages you speak? Somali and English
Brief description of what you do?
Assist new families and students with enrollments, assist school admin and teachers with interpreting and translating during meetings and tests, IEP meetings, translate district documents, I Mentor students of all race, educate students and staff on other cultures, and assist EL students with school work, data entry, assist with Access WIDA testing, and more.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Being able to see kids grow to be young adults. I also love advocating for the common good of all.
What advice would you give to young adults today?
Believe in yourself. You will experience moments of uncertainty but allow your faith in yourself to be greater than your fears. Your success is not measured by material things, but by how much you have overcome. Remember, you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Always trust the process.
Bicultural Liaison Elizabeth Martinez
Career Journey - How did you get to where you are now? Since I can remember, I've been fascinated with the Spanish language and culture. I knew I wanted Spanish to be a part of my personal and professional life. Since I was not raised bilingually, I needed to study hard and immerse myself extensively in the language. So immediately after college I moved alone to Guadalajara, Mexico, to earn a certificate to teach English. I knew I could teach English while perfecting my Spanish. One thing led to another and I taught English in a variety of schools, from elementary through college level. I stayed for five years and loved every minute of it. Since moving back to Minnesota, I've held bilingual leadership positions from manufacturing to education. Being bilingual has opened many doors for me.
What Languages you speak? Spanish
Brief description of what you do? My job title is Spanish Cultural Liaison & Interpreter. I support all the Spanish speaking families and students at North from interpreting for meetings, to translating documents and emails, to answering phone calls from parents with questions.
What is your favorite part of the job? Being the bridge connecting families and the staff at North and seeing things through their lense. I also enjoy that every day is different and there's always something new for me to learn.
What advice would you give to young adults today? Being bilingual will open so many doors for you as it has done for me. Whether you are raised in a bilingual/bicultural family, or started learning a foreign language at age 15 (like me!), keep at it! Our world continues to be even more interconnected.
#1: Translator/Interpreter
Countless organizations require translators and interpreters for all sorts of reasons. With more and more businesses expanding globally, there is unlikely to be a shortage of jobs in this arena any time soon.
This service is constantly required in places like hospitals, court houses, universities and immigration facilities, meaning there are plenty of diverse places to work for people who are able to communicate on behalf of others. What’s more, employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 17 percent over the next ten years - much faster than the average for all occupations.
#2: Customer Service Representative
With many companies basing their call centers all over the world, multilingual customer service has become highly valued - sales representative positions are the top most in-demand for bilingual workers.
Resolving issues over the phone can be difficult at the best of times, so employers are looking to hire people who can overcome language barriers and help them widen their customer base.
#3: Healthcare Professional
Hospitals and clinics are busy places that see a great number of diverse patients every day. It can be stressful communicating information in an emergency, especially for people whose first language isn’t English - so bilingual doctors, nurses, paramedics and emergency telecommunications staff are all very much in demand.
Being able to help in this way saves time and can save lives.
#4: Information Technology Consultant
There’s much more human interaction in this profession than you might think. Because trends in IT move so quickly, people who specialize in niche areas like artificial intelligence and cloud computing are often required to travel, sharing their ideas with other companies and branches of their organizations based in other countries.
Bilingual speakers with such knowledge are extremely sought after in today’s ever-changing field of technology.
These days, both government and private employers realize that providing good customer service depends on how well they can communicate, which means bilingual workers often have the upper hand in a competitive job market.
List Language Skills on Your Resume
One of the most valuable skills that job candidates can offer potential employers is strong fluency in a foreign language. If you have strong foreign language skills, including this fact on your resume will likely give you an advantage over most of your competition whenever the ability to speak another language is a prerequisite for the job.
According to the “Not Lost in Translation” study by New American Economy (NEA), the five most in-demand foreign languages requested by U.S. employers are Spanish, Chinese, French, Arabic, and Korean.1
Language Sought by Industry:
Spanish fluency is frequently sought for customer service roles in the financial services and auto parts sectors.
The hospitality and luxury retail industries have a high demand for Chinese speakers.
French and Arabic, on the other hand, are desirable languages for job candidates seeking work with international humanitarian aid associations.
Korean speakers, meanwhile, are targeted by the pharmaceutical, education, telecommunications, and banking industries.2
SHOW ME THE MONEY
Now Hiring
Join us Wednesdays at 1:00 to learn more about how to find the right job for you, apply, interview, and much more!
Jobs Hiring Now:
Counselor's Corner
"Ask a Counselor" 12-1pm all week. https://zoom.us/j/94359726876
Drop in to open Zoom sessions with general questions such as "How do I change my schedule?" to " How do I send my transcripts to college?".
Ms Cosgrove -A-Go, acosgrove@isd622.org
Ms Yamamoto - Gp-Ma, jyamamoto@isd622.org
Ms Hager - Mb-S, ahager@isd622.org
Ms Bye - T-Z, mbye@isd622.org
Hannah Schmiesing, our counseling intern hschmiesing@isd622.org
Students can make appointments to see their counselor for a number of reasons, including:
Personal/Social Concerns
College or Career Planning
Academics
Contact Mrs Stanley
Email: bstanley@isd622.org
Website: https://www.isd622.org/Page/15183
Phone: 651748-6086
