As a young American, I had stepped into the Great Hall of the People twice before, but this time was different.
In 2016, I was a university student and tourist, captivated by its solemn atmosphere, and in 2017, I attended a concert by renowned Chinese singer Jiang Dawei, experiencing the unique blend of music and architecture. This time, however, I participated in the two sessions as a bilingual host and journalist for China Daily 21st Century Media, bearing the responsibility of recording and reporting. My emotions were completely different from my previous visits.
My attention shifted from the symbolic significance of the building itself to the voices and stories emerging from the two sessions. The Great Hall became the central stage of China’s political life, where National People’s Congress (NPC) deputies and members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) offered advice on national development.
My role was to document these key moments, through words and images, and I realized that the two sessions are not just about formulating national policies — they are closely connected to the daily lives of ordinary people, affecting areas such as education, healthcare, employment, environmental protection, and technological innovation.
Standing in Tian’anmen Square during the two sessions for the first time, I felt the weight of responsibility that came with my role. However, as I prepared to conduct interviews, I found myself facing a new challenge — approaching and interacting with the NPC deputies and CPPCC members.
The first time I walked up to a CPPCC member for an interview, I was so nervous that I could barely articulate my question. I worried about whether my wording was appropriate and whether the interviewee would be willing to respond.
During one press Q&A session at the Fujian province open-day event, despite having carefully prepared my question, I felt anxious the moment I stood up to speak. I was supposed to ask my question in both Chinese and English, but I completely forgot to speak in English. Instead, I introduced myself and asked my question entirely in Chinese. It wasn’t until I sat down that I realized my small “mistake”.
Although both incidents were minor, they made me more aware of the challenges of public speaking and the importance of staying composed under pressure. After a few attempts, I gradually found my rhythm and even began to enjoy the process.
This experience transformed me from a mere observer into a recorder, shifting my understanding from vague awareness to a profound appreciation of the two sessions — something I had previously only understood through news headlines and policy summaries.
It was also a personal journey of growth and learning. I now see the role of a journalist in a new light — not just as a recorder of facts, but as a bridge between cultures and perspectives. I will continue using my words, images, and videos to share China’s story with the world, helping more people understand this dynamic and prosperous country.
