A recent assignment saw me interpreting for an older gentleman in a tense situation, with his adult daughter looking on. She spoke both Spanish and English, and after the assignment, she told me a few things.
First, she remarked how professional my language skills were. She said that even though she was bilingual, she learned Spanish at home, and she admitted that she doesn’t always have the ability to easily access the right terms needed for professional communication.
Then, she thanked me for learning Spanish because it enabled me to help people like her father.
As someone who loves learning, speaking, using and teaching languages, I view my job as fun, and I’ve been thanked for many things, but it really struck me to hear someone thank me for learning Spanish.
It reminded me of the importance of our job, the need for professional language services, and the powerful help those language services provide.
The Impact We’ve Been Grateful to Provide
Here are a few of examples of the impact Your Language Connection has been glad to provide this year:
- We provided simultaneous and relay translation services for six days of training conducted by the Mennonite Central Committee, empowering attendees from all over the world to go out and do the work making the world a stronger, more peaceful place, one community at a time.
- We assisted with the registration, enrollment, testing, evaluation and parent communication of hundreds of children throughout local school districts, a number that grows every year.
- We taught English as a second language to manufacturing workers who have come from all over the world to make Lancaster County the place where they work, live and love.
A Thanksgiving Reflection
This Thanksgiving, we at Your Language Connection are happy to look back at this year of grace, which we have spent living up to our mission of empowering communities with language.
Linguist Highlight: Bhesh Khattri
At first, interpreting was just a job for Bhesh Khattri. But as the assignments and stories grew, so did his perspective. Today, he sees his work as a calling, one rooted in service, compassion, and impact.“When I first began, I approached this role as simply a job to complete. However, through various assignments and interactions, my perspective has transformed. I’ve come to see this work as far more meaningful, it is a noble role that allows me to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
A Role of Service and Impact
For Bhesh, the most rewarding part of being a linguist is seeing the relief and smiles of those he’s able to support. Whether bridging language gaps in healthcare or helping families navigate critical services, he knows that interpretation is not just about words, it’s about comfort, clarity, and dignity.One moment that stands out in his journey was supporting a widow caring for her child with autism. She was struggling to communicate her needs and understand vital information from providers. Through careful interpretation, Bhesh ensured her concerns were heard and her options fully understood. The gratitude she expressed reminded him how powerful this work can be.
Rising to the Challenge in Times of Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhesh saw firsthand how devastating language barriers could be. Families struggled to access unemployment benefits, health resources, and even basic assistance. He stepped in interpreting, explaining documents, and guiding them through applications. His efforts helped many finally receive the support they desperately needed in a time of crisis.
Beyond Interpreting
Outside his interpreting role, Bhesh is also a proud small business owner. For the past five years, he has successfully managed a Sunoco gas station in Manheim, Pennsylvania, which partners with the Weis Gas Points Rewards Program. His business includes a convenience store offering snacks, household items, and daily essentials , another way he continues serving his community each day.
More Than a Career
What keeps Bhesh going is not financial gain but the lasting fulfillment of making a difference. He is committed to continuing in this role long term, motivated by the satisfaction of helping others in their most vulnerable moments.We are proud to highlight Bhesh Khattri for his dedication, compassion, and service to the community.