“Trust people more, especially young people. The more faith I’ve put in people to bear responsibility, the more impressed I’ve become. When you work with youth projects, almost all of your promotion has to run through this disaggregated network of volunteers, universities and online communities. These people, without any real incentives except that they are excited about our projects, have stepped up in impressive ways. We’ve gotten really explosive results based on little except asking for help from our friends. No one can tell me that people my age are apathetic or lazy. I’ve seen proof to the contrary.”

How is it like being an interpreter?
“Interpreting is a demanding job; it requires total concentration. According to a study, it is one of the three most stressful jobs, together with surgeons and fighter-jet pilots. Two interpreters must take turns in a booth during a normal 6-8 hours daily job to overcome fatigue and be up to the challenge.

People think that a thorough knowledge of languages is the main requirements for an interpreter a top level. I think that, perhaps, general knowledge, to be permanently updated on current affairs and studying thoroughly the discipline you will be servicing, be it social, scientific or technical, are equally important.”

What are the things at work that impressed you?
“One is, at times, taken aback by the dimension of the web of international meetings which is constantly taking place. You may think that it is a slow way of dealing with international relations or coordinating scientific standards or labour relations in the world. In fact, probably there is no easy democratic alternative to it and the lack of it could have sad consequences for co-existence.”

One thing that you learned from your work?
“After a life working with words you also learn that the real message is often somewhere else.”

Things happened at work that touched you?
“In a long life as a professional I had the chance of working with first rate politicians, film stars and other characters valued by society, but my most rewarding mission was working in prisons with life sentenced terrorist and common prisoners. The sewers of our society are full of suffering and could do with some attention, compassion and help.”

Things about yourself?
“I am probably a dynamic and outgoing person.
I write short stories and poetry, produce and stage shows. I have been a journalist and dubbed feature films. Love music and painting.
I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and I miss the ease of the place, the warmth of its people and the harbour’s smell.”

One biggest wish?
“To be able to contribute to peace and understanding.”

Any advice to give?
“I have no advice to give.”

Any regret in life?
“No, life is unpredictable; I take that as a learning challenge and willingly accept that the past does not lend itself to be modified.”

“I think we never completely change, we only evolve. Always look around you, observe every detail and don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t know something. There is always a chance to learn something new and make it yours.”

“I wish I could have known to be less shy and to be more assertive. It really doesn’t benefit you to be shy when working with people. Also, never panic when you’re under pressure. Keep a cool head and deal one thing at a time.”

“It has changed my perception of time, having a six months contract at the UN is almost “long-term”; I can cope with the lack of visibility, and am more willing to take risks when it comes to career moves.”