The Linguist Story – Lalida Murray

Tell us about the work you do for TLS.

I am a freelance Thai interpreter.

What’s been your favourite project at TLS?

I enjoy interpreting for mental health therapy because I have learned many valuable things from the therapists that I can apply to myself and my family.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was encountering new technology terms that I was unfamiliar with. I prefer to know the subject before the appointment so I can study it thoroughly before the session starts.

Can you tell us about a time your work has made a difference to someone’s life?

It was very rewarding to interpret therapy sessions and witness the positive changes in the patients’ lives. It was a stark contrast from the first week when they walked in feeling sad and depressed, to when they finished the sessions and left the room with confidence and smiles. They gained hope and learned how to cope with their difficulties better.

Tell us something interesting about you.

While working in Thailand, I served as a registered nurse at a mission hospital in central Thailand, where I provided care for leprosy patients. These patients often suffered from severe deformities and were previously rejected by their families and society. Their deformities made it difficult for them to access education or secure employment, as they were viewed as contagious and avoided by others.

However, due to the dedication of missionary doctors and nurses, many leprosy patients have been successfully treated and cured. Furthermore, those in need received reconstructive surgery to help them reintegrate into society.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this mission and to have positively impacted the lives of these individuals.