Sandy Mateus (ASL 2013-present)

What’s your connection to ASL?

I joined ASL as a member of the advancement office eight years ago in January 2013.

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

I have monthly Zoom calls with dear friends from college and with my family in California and Portugal. I also have a group of good friends who started a weekly Zentangle art class, which continues to be a great way to explore our creative outlets and stay connected with one another.

How do you stay connected to your...

Community? I have been an active volunteer with Rugby Portobello Trust for almost four years. Last school year and this summer, several HS students and I were able to host virtual homework tutoring sessions and help young students prepare for their end-of-year UK school exams. Though the tutoring sessions are virtual, it is a fantastic way to stay connected to ASL students and see first-hand how their engagement and support of these younger students can truly make a difference.

Colleagues? I stay connected with colleagues through Zoom catch-ups, outdoors walks, and with Google chat to share updates and to check in.

Joy? Planning outdoor walks and coffee catch-ups with friends. Having scheduled Zooms and phone calls with family and friends abroad.

Well-being? I try to make time to fill my cup with things that matter to me—staying connected with friends in person and with family virtually; staying active with daily walks, Pilates and TRX classes; staying engaged with volunteering; and staying creative with photography and reading.