P O Box 19042 2740 West Mason Street Green Bay , WI 54307-9042
Office Professional grad uses bilingual skills to make a difference
“ NWTC sees the potential in all of us .”
- Natalia Ayala
NWTC does not discriminate on the basis of age , race , color , disability , sex , gender , sexual orientation , gender identity , national origin or other protected classes . Inquiries regarding the College ’ s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Chief Officer for Diversity , Equity and Inclusion at 920-498-6826 or equity @ nwtc . edu . 1003499 je 4.21
When Natalia Ayala was 18 , she and her family moved from Puerto Rico to the Green Bay area . Unsure of what career path to take , she began exploring options at NWTC and connected with Gema Garcia in NWTC Student Support Services .
During that time , she acted as a translator for her mother who was managing a health condition . Through that experience , Ayala saw a need for bilingual employees in the medical field and enrolled part-time in the Office Professional program .
Her coursework in customer contact skills was critical in preparing for the workforce . She learned to provide the right communication skills while respecting the challenges facing each patient as they enter a medical situation .
Ayala began interning at Bellin Health amidst the pandemic in fall 2020 . Feeling scared initially , that quickly disappeared as she felt support from her team and saw the need for her language skills . She sees relief in patients ’ eyes when they realize they can express themselves in their native language .
A non-native English speaker , Ayala is grateful for the tools NWTC gave her to navigate and be successful in her studies . “ NWTC sees the potential in all of us ,” Ayala said . “ They recognize we all have different life circumstances and want us to obtain a degree to provide for ourselves and our families – to be successful in life .”
Ayala graduated from Office Professional in December 2020 and continues to work at Bellin Health .
GRATEFUL