Pressure is a Privilege: 2024 in Review
As another year draws to a close, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunities 2024 has brought. I acted as an interpreter for CEOs, lawmakers, artists, scientists, innovators, diplomats, and other movers and shakers of our times. I was equally proud of helping countless “ordinary” individuals and organizations bridge language and cultural gaps to have their voices heard.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of this world depends on Chinese speakers and English speakers talking to one another. As a professional Chinese<>English conference interpreter, I’ve always felt privileged to contribute to these critical conversations that are shaping our future, one sentence at a time.
Along the way, I’ve witnessed businesses rise and fall, achievements celebrated, hearts touched, and challenges met with resilience and determination.
As tennis legend Billie Jean King famously said, “Pressure is a privilege”—a sentiment that resonates deeply with my work.
This year, I also took on several new roles and responsibilities: trainer, event organizer, exam grader, and volunteer for professional associations and peer groups.
2024 was marked by incredible technological advancements in our field that bring both excitement and uncertainty. For me, the most important takeaway is that we must evolve, adapt, and redefine the value we offer to clients and society at large.
Language as a right must be defended.
Language as a service must be reimagined.
Language as a cause must be carried forward.
Here’s to the journey ahead in 2025! 🎉
Rony Gao is a prize-winning conference interpreter, certified translator and communications consultant based in Toronto and serving clients worldwide. He is a member of AIIC and regularly provides consecutive and simultaneous interpretation services for the Government of Canada, international organizations and global leaders in business, technology and academia.
