- Kelly Slutz ’14
- Hometown: Smithville, Ohio
- Major: Spanish and Sociology
When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to attend a college that had strong academics, recreational opportunities and lots of different ways to get involved. I also wanted to attend a university that was committed to the environment and the community, and I felt like all of these things were important at Mount Union.
Elizabeth Bender '03
I live in Osaka, Japan, and for the last few years I have been employed as a freelance translator and interpreter. I work mainly for two different agencies (one in Tokyo and one here in Osaka city) that send me Japanese-English translation, proofreading, and copy writing projects by email. The content of these projects varies from relatively uncomplicated material such as restaurant menus and tourism pamphlets, to more complex technical or medical documents. Occasionally I am lucky enough to be assigned a job interpreting for a guest lecturer, or doing English announcements for festivals in Kyoto.
It took me a while to get started as a freelance translator, but once I began receiving work, other jobs quickly came my way. I consider myself very fortunate to have a career that requires me to constantly put into practice the Japanese skills I learned at Mount Union. I am also thrilled that freelance work makes my schedule so flexible; I can do my job anywhere, anytime, so long as I hit my deadlines. Being your own boss is a great feeling, and it really keeps you on your toes!