This is a special year for Chilean Nattaly Rojas. After a decade and a half in China, the young woman is about to return to her homeland with a wealth of experience and learning. Rojas' interest in China began when she was studying Spanish-English translation in Santiago, capital of Chile. Discovering that the multitudes of Spanish-English translators had saturated the market and become less valued, she decided to take the road less traveled and began studying Chinese.

She soon discovered that her interest in China was not limited to the language. "I was always interested in China and its ancient culture, its influence on the contemporary world and its growing global importance," she said. "When learning about China, I discovered that it wasn't just about the language; I was also intrigued by aspects such as Confucian philosophy, calligraphy, traditional Chinese medicine, and the country's rich history."

A whole new world

Rojas arrived in Beijing in 2009 to continue her studies on a scholarship from the Chinese Government. During the following seven years, Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) was the institution in which she acquired knowledge and also some of her most treasured memories of China. "My time at BLCU as an undergraduate was an exceptional and memorable experience," she said.

Likewise, Beijing, especially during the first year, opened the doors to a totally new world for her. "I was able to immerse myself in everyday life, interact with local people and explore first-hand not only the capital, but also the entire country," she said.

Little by little, Rojas consolidated her interest in exploring China and its culture, and decided to apply for another scholarship to continue her studies in 2012. As Chinese-English translation programs for foreign students had not been established at that time, she took the course alongside Chinese students. Keeping up with native-Chinese-speaking classmates was a challenge. "At that moment I felt a lot of frustration, but later I realized that it was the best thing that could have happened to me," she said.

A promoter of culture

Almost every Chilean living in Beijing knows who Rojas is. In addition to her friendly nature and contagious laugh, she has been closely involved in activities promoting culture and ties between Chile and China since she arrived. "The cultural fair (on the BLCU campus) was the most outstanding event of the year for our university community and we Chileans prepared with enthusiasm," she said.

She explained that she, along with her Chilean classmates, went to the Chilean Embassy to obtain decorative elements and other materials, so that their stand at the fair would reflect the country's rich culture. "As the person in charge of the Chilean stand all those years, each time I prepared and dedicated myself intensely for at least a month together with other Chileans to showcase the best of us," she said.

Her desire to promote culture was also reflected in the tasks she carried out with the Chilean Embassy, among which her participation in the state visits of former President Michelle Bachelet and current President Gabriel Boric stood out. During those visits, Rojas played key roles on the security and advance team, providing crucial language assistance. For this reason, she had the privilege of serving as an interpreter for both leaders during their informal meetings.

Having been able to attend President Boric's state visit to China fills Rojas with honor and pride. "This experience allowed me to feel more connected to my national identity and better understand the impact of diplomacy on international relations," she said in retrospect. In professional terms, being part of the advance party also allowed her to understand the complexities and challenges that the presidential delegation faces on an official visit, in addition to learning valuable lessons on logistics and protocol. "Despite being immersed in strict security measures, it was a rewarding and enriching experience to be able to contribute and share meaningful moments," she added.

Her work as a facilitator of dialogue and understanding does not end there. Rojas has also contributed to the Chinese translation of subtitles for Chilean films shown at film festivals in China, such as the Oscar nominee for best foreign film A Fantastic Woman, as well as Gloria, The Moon in the Mirror, I'm Not Lorena and others.

This role, through which she has helped build ties between one another, has also taken her to the field as a player and captain of the Añejo women's soccer team. The Añejo club gathers Spanish-speaking players for training and amateur competitions. "Beyond simply being a sports team, Añejo has become a true community and a space for personal growth and support in my life in Beijing," she said. In that sense, Rojas said this has not only given her the opportunity to practice a sport that she loves, but also to strengthen the friendships that she has forged over the years.

Way back

Rojas said she has mixed feelings about her imminent departure. After 15 years in China, the Chilean will return to Santiago, a city that will surely be familiar to her in many ways, but that she will also have to rediscover.

"On the one hand, I feel nostalgia and deep gratitude for everything I have experienced and learned here," she said. "Beijing has become my home over the years, and leaving behind the personal and professional connections I have built is difficult." However, family, friends and new projects are also waiting for her on the other side of the ocean.

After returning, Rojas plans to open her own company specializing in audiovisual projects. Its main objective will be to offer audiovisual content adaptation services for both the Chinese and Chilean markets. Additionally, she said she plans to offer consulting to Chilean companies that wish to expand to China, and ensure effective and respectful communication. "My goal is to promote cultural exchange and facilitate collaboration in the audiovisual field, thus contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations between Chile and China," she said.

When she landed in Beijing at the age of 21, Rojas felt great apprehension about a culture so different from her own. Likewise, she admitted she came with many negative perceptions of China, often fueled by social networks. But as time went by, and as she became more and more familiar with the country, she has been able to discover the true essence of China.

"Living in China has taught me the importance of respect and tolerance toward different ways of life and perspectives. China's rich cultural heritage and traditions have expanded my view of the world, making me more open and receptive to new experiences. Traveling alone through various regions of the country has given me a deep appreciation for the diversity and beauty of this country, as well as greater independence and self-confidence," she said.

All of this has helped her enormously in her growth as a person, and has shaped her character and spirit of perseverance. The Chilean's fate has yet to be written, but the future looks promising. 

(Print edition title: A Transformative Experience)

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

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