When I first heard about the discovery of the Antarctic Ozone Hole, I felt this was such a major issue that it would surely become one of humanity's main focus. It sounded a bit like a Bruce Willis movie; I could imagine governments of all nations joining forces to understand, and fight, the menace. I was fourteen.

A few years later I was living in London and became acquainted with the wonderful world of BBC documentaries.

My choice of studies was set: geography and journalism.

After my Master of Science and Diploma in Journalism from my home town University of Fribourg, Switzerland, I went off to Australia for the first time, enjoying myself working as a researcher in sustainable development for the CSIRO and volunteering for the local community radio "Fréquence France" (you may remember me from such shows as a special on Coluche).

These 2 1/2 years of researching ecological issues and writing about them, while being guided by a great mentor, were invaluable in improving my writing skills in English and my knowledge of sustainable development issues.

Back in Switzerland, I decided to experience a totally different world and held several positions in multinational companies in Geneva, using both English and French in my daily work and being lucky enough to work with colleagues from all parts of the world. These were really rich-and stressful-years.

I didn't know then that I would finally come back to Australia and have a go at a new life and career (translating). The NAATI exam duly passed, I started working as a freelance in 2007. Being located in Perth this time, the mining industry working with French- speaking African countries has rapidly become my main source of work. This also implies a fair bit of translation of corporate documents.

It also came naturally for me to specialise in Environmental Sciences, my first passion, and some areas of Humanities. While studying for my Master, I was able to widen my perspective with Sociology and Economy classes as chosen optional courses. This helped me understand the methodology of social sciences / sociology and some of its terminology.