Writing about the year just gone has become a lovely reminder for me to reflect on exciting opportunities and delightful experiences that made the year another special one.
This year felt like a moment like a paper plane leaves a hand: transitioning from the university education to full-time work at Architectus, with research collaboration and subject development work at the University of Melbourne, all of which are based on the ongoing relationships and commitment from the Master of Architecture years. The continuation and deepening of involvement in projects I love contributing to is a luxury that I can’t thank enough for. The new people I got to meet and get to know this year and those who’ve been so supportive over the years have made a significant positive difference to me.
While there were numerous opportunities to extend my interests into work, those situations highlighted areas for improvement, elevating hobbies to professionally practical capabilities. For example, translation/interpretation is something that I had a chance to learn on the job more this year than ever – including adding Japanese and English subtitles as part of the video production, translation of academic writing, and live interpretation for guest lectures for Master of Landscape Architecture studio and panel discussion events.
Learning how to prepare/study beforehand, how to listen, translate and take notes, and how to communicate in appropriate language helped me better understand what translation/ interpretation should aim to achieve in respective situations – making the audience/reader/viewer understand the original voice with as little language hurdles as possible. The more I learn, the more I appreciate the opportunity with a sense of responsibility.
In a time of global political turmoil, the ability to introspect myself in 2023 in isolation reflects the (relatively) peaceful society I’m fortunate to live and work in. I hope the ongoing momentum in my personal and professional life will continue to grow in 2024.
Below is a kushu (collection of haiku) from haiku I composed throughout the year. Hope you enjoy 🙂
Saran Kim | Blog 