I was born in Beijing, China to an academic family. My father was a professor of English and my mother was a doctor. I followed the path of my father to study languages (English) because it was an easier option to gain entrance to universities when the entrance exams were re-introduced after the Cultural Revolution. I studied English at the Beijing Institute of Foreign Languages (the now Beijing Foreign Studies University). My studies were cut short because I came to the UK at the end of 1980 to meet and look after my grandma whom I was meeting for the first time. I later realised that there was no such thing as ‘looking after grandma’ visa so I decided to study linguistics at UCL, the only choice I had due to financial and entrance constraints. I obtained an MA in linguistics and have been working as a translator and interpreter ever since.

So, in a way, one could say both my degree and career choices were by accident. But now I love my work and cannot imagine doing anything else.
After graduating from UCL, I worked as an inhouse translator for a company specialising in translating technical materials for UK and international companies. After working there for three years, I had a break to raise my family while continuing to do freelance translation work. I started working as a police interpreter in 2007 after passing the Met Police Test. I immediately fell in love with police interpreting. I backed up my qualifications in public services by obtaining a DPSI in law in 2010 and a Diploma in Translation in 2012. I now only work in public service interpreting and mainly in police and court interpreting. After outsourcing, many interpreters left the profession. I remained because I love my job and feel passionate about police and court interpreting, and I have been able to get work on my terms. I’ve become a director to fight for the interests of professional interpreters.