Breaking down language barriers

CASEY RESSLER

Frontiersman Valley Life Editor

Tamara Morozov had no idea what they were saying - teachers, fellow students, people in the grocery store. Eight years ago, she was a 9-year-old Russian immigrant, trying to not only fit into a new culture, but also learning a new language.

That was 1996. Now, she's 17, speaks perfect English and is set to graduate from high school. Still, she knows the struggle - and that's why despite being a teenager, she has served as a Russian translator for years. Whether at school or in the Palmer courthouses, Morozov bridges gaps in communication, in effect removing boundaries Russian immigrants face when coming to America.

"It took me 1 1/2 years to learn English, and the best way is to be around everyone speaking English," Morozov said. "My first school everyone spoke Russian and I didn't really learn English.

"Then we moved, and I was only around people who spoke English. You have to learn, because you can't understand anything," Morozov added.

Morozov is a senior at CyberLynx, and her principal approached her to help with some new Russian students who were struggling to understand English. She immediately accepted the offer.

"My principal said the families did not know English and if I could translate to the parents," Morozov said. "Now I translate for about five families at school."

Morozov also has translated at the Palmer courthouse, for Russians who have gotten in trouble.

"I knew some Russian guys who got into trouble and their parents did not know what the judge was saying, so they asked me to come and help and I did," Morozov said. "I started translating to me parents when we first moved to America, and now I'm translating for other Russians who come here."

Morozov said she plans to go to the University of Alaska Anchorage for two years, and then wants to transfer to a university in the Lower 48. Ultimately, she'd like to become a pediatrician.

"I love little kids, but I was the only child my family had," Morozov said. "My dad remarried and my stepmom is pregnant, and it will be my first little baby brother. I'm very excited."

She's also excited about the future, and what it holds - and the opportunities moving to America have afforded her and her family.

"I'm really glad for my parents and for my future. Life in Russia is tough. Here, you have so many opportunities," Morozov said.

Morozov was recently honored for her volunteer work as a translator.

She was awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the 2005 Prudential Spirit of Community awards program.

"Tamara is an exceptional young lady with an incredible sense of citizenship," said Natalie Hoover Dean, principal of CyberLynx. "She is mature beyond her years as demonstrated by her service at the courts and our school, respecting confidentiality and promoting and protecting cultural diversity."

The Prudential Spirit of Community awards are in their 10th year, and recognize the top middle school and high school volunteer in each state.

There are more than 170,000 students nominated for the award.

"All of these extraordinary young people exemplify the spirit of community that is so important to the future of our cities, towns and neighborhoods," said Art Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, in a press release. "By honoring them, we hope to not only give them the recognition they so richly deserve, but also to inspire others to follow their example."