Meet Ana María R., an English-to-Spanish translator from Burgos, Spain who has been a member of the Lionbridge Community, working on a large range of accounts, since 2003. Read on to find out more about Ana.

How did you get into this field?

When I was little, I loved watching TV shows where there was simultaneous interpretation. I thought it was a great way to learn about many different things and use languages fluently. But then I had kids very young, so when the time came, I settled for studying translation because it can be done at home and allows a great balance between family and work.

What do you like most about being a part of the Lionbridge Community?

The fact that nobody thinks that my profession is less valuable because I work from home, and that everyone understands my strange working hours.

What advice would you give your younger self if they were just starting out in this industry?

This is what you really want to do. Don't have any doubts about it!

Tell us about some of your hobbies and interests.

I have many hobbies. I love reading above all, and also cooking, singing in my choir, crafts, tending my vegetable garden, walking in the countryside (especially forests), drawing, painting and embroidery, to name a few others.

How many languages do you speak, and do you want to learn a new one?

Apart from Spanish, which is my mother tongue, I speak English and French. I would love to learn Chinese or Japanese, but I don't have the time for it. Maybe when I retire!

What is your favorite word or phrase in your native language and why is it your favorite?

"No hay mal que por bien no venga" (Every cloud has a silver lining) and "A cada día, su afán" (One thing at a time). I like them because they remind me not to worry unduly about things that are not that important, and to enjoy the present moment.

What is your favorite food and why?

I love crepes, because you can fill them with anything you want and you enjoy several meals in one.

What do you like most about the country you live in?

I love that it is like a whole word in miniature. We have everything: deep long rivers, high mountains, transparent beaches, coral reefs, wide plains and even a piece of desert. And I love the people, because we know to have fun and are welcoming and warm, but can also be serious and hard-working when necessary.

What country would you like to travel to and why?

I would love to visit Scotland, because of the vast green grass plains over cliffs that go down to the sea.

What, in your opinion, makes your field special?

Translating is a way of making communication happen. I love that.

What is the coolest language task you’ve participated in?

Translating literature. That is my favorite, because it allows me to be the most creative. The task I loved most was translating a children's book that had been written in verse. It was challenging, but I really enjoyed it.