BAMBI Magazine February 2022
Dear BAMBI members,
In most countries around the world, we celebrate ‘LOVE’ during the month of February. But have you ever stopped to think about what love really is? This is one of those existential questions that rarely gets answered because it’s so personal.
For me it means closeness, protection, attraction, affection, trust, care, and support. Not only for your partner, but for your kids, family, friends, the planet, and the community.
When I first arrived in Bangkok, I was a brand new mother. My newborn was just three months old and I couldn’t help but feel lonely. I didn’t have any family to guide or support me on this motherhood journey. But BAMBI gave me that ‘love' in the form of support.
I started volunteering for BAMBI in 2015 as Database Coordinator. I love data, numbers, and processes, so I thought I was perfect for the position. I had worked all my life and suddenly, I’d lost my identity because I was not Gloria anymore; I was just “Mia’s mum”. That’s not who I wanted to be. I wanted to continue to be me.
Another reason for volunteering was that I felt like my brain no longer worked as it had done before because I couldn’t remember anything or concentrate. They say you should keep your brain working, so that’s what I did.
While I was doing my database job, I got involved in a super exciting project: the revamp of our website. Learning how to design a website from scratch was all new to me. Meeting with the agency, creating all the content and photos, and leading team meetings was the perfect way to meet people and make new friends. After that, I decided to try the website coordinator role and learn more about the systems that support BAMBI’s activities. Then before I knew it, I was the chairwoman! It felt like an intimidating role to take on, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and push myself. I can honestly tell you that this has been the most challenging job I have ever had in my 15 years of work experience, but the one where I have learned the most and I have grown as a professional.
BAMBI has given me so much in these six years. I can say that I really felt loved. I'm sad to leave, but I’m really proud of the team I got to work with and all the great projects and amazing things we have achieved together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who I worked with—I've learned so much from you, and I hope I have given you the support (love) you needed. You will always have a friend in me. And to our dear members, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.
As I sign off on my final letter to you as BAMBI Chairwoman, I encourage you to raise your hand if you would like to take on a challenging but incredibly rewarding role—the search begins for our new chair.
Gloria