今回のボランティアに参加して良かったなと思ったもう一つの点は、G7サミットという政治的に大きな意味のあるイベントに興味を持つ機会になったことです。今までは国内で開催されるG7サミットであっても、あまり目を向けることがありませんでしたが、今回地元がG7サミットのホストタウンになり、ボランティアとしてG7広島サミット開催にごく近い部分で関わったことから、関連のニュースを積極的に追うようになりました。今回のG7広島サミットに関わることができて本当に良かったです。 

I had the privilege of working for the G7 Hiroshima Summit as a volunteer interpreter. Few of those occasions include the reception for delegation from France and the UK on 25 April, the Welcome Reception on 18 May, and interpreting at the International Media Centre (IMC) on 20 and 21 May. The most memorable experience amongst these events for me was the interpreting at the Welcome Reception. At this Reception, there were promotion booths from each municipality in Hiroshima. I mostly worked to help PR staff at those booths promote their local products and activities to the guests from embassies or consulates. I was very pleased when they appreciated me, and I felt that I was able to work for people.

Some professional interpreters were working at those receptions with us, and their compliments to my interpretation skills gives me confidence. I had been worried about my own skill as an interpreter so I had prepared a lot; however, I was able to perform better than I had expected. I gained huge confidence throughout this volunteer opportunity, and this confidence makes me consider becoming an interpreter as one of the possible options for my future career.

By joining in G7 Hiroshima Summit as a volunteer, I found myself interested in G7 Summit, which was an extremely important political event. I had not paid much attention to previous  G7 Summits that took place in Japan. I believe that G7 Summit held in my hometown was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and working for such an occasion as a volunteer enabled me to have a close look at the Summit.
I am so grateful to the opportunity given to me, and I shall make use of these precious experiences for my future.