Bambi Thompson (ASL 2008-present)

What’s your connection to ASL?

I am fortunate to have been able to serve in several roles at ASL. After starting out in 2006 as a tutor and substitute teacher, I went on to teach classes such as Spanish, Explore London and psychology. Since 2012, I have been teaching health and loving it. I participate regularly in our community partnerships and hope we can revive our global partnerships. Going to the Dominican Republic and Haiti with ASL students and colleagues were the most impactful experiences of my career so far.

How do you reconnect with long-distance friends or family?

At the start of the first lockdown, my family in the USA and I began Zoom chatting every Sunday afternoon and we still do this. From my 94-year-old grandmother to the COVID-era born toddlers, everyone tries to join in when they can. It is good for the soul to see and hear them.

How do you stay connected to your...

Community? Each Eid, my next-door neighbor delivers a plate of delicious homemade food to my door. It has become a tradition that I bake something to give back to her when I return the plate. This has gone on for 11 years, and I treasure this friendship.

Colleagues? In addition to working together, I also enjoy free time with health team members and others when our schedules and COVID restrictions allow. We have gone to the theatre, to meals, to the Notting Hill Carnival and on lots of walks.

Joy? I find great joy in adventuring anywhere with my partner and our 14-year-old.

Well-being? It is an everyday miracle to breathe on this planet, and I do my best to cultivate mindfulness and transform suffering in myself so that I am available for others too.