Meet our Impact moms: Sandra
One thing the volunteers on the Lisbon programs always say is that our Impact Moms make their stay unforgetabble. The impact moms are the Impact House staff and they cook delicious meals, make sure the accommodation is clean and tidy and take care of the guests in the little details that make a difference. We thought it was time to share who they are with you 🙂
So we interviewed Sandra. Enjoy!
3 Fun Facts About You
“I’m very emotional, I’m good with people, and I’m very perfectionist”.
Why Did You Choose To Be Part of the Impact House Team?
“I didn’t really “choose” to be part of the team. At the time I was unemployed and this was an opportunity that presented itself and I liked it. It has been a big challenge for me, but I love being here”.
Describe Yourself in 3 Words
“A lovely mother!”
What’s been your favorite moment since you’ve been part of the team?
“Every day is fun for me. The fact that I come here and know that, though I have a lot of things to do, there is always someone willing to help is everything. I do what I like and that’s really important to me. Every day is a joy”.
What’s been your biggest challenge since you’ve been part of the team?
“When I first came to the house, Mercês was teaching me how everything worked. But after two days, Mercês got sick and I found myself alone, cooking for 40 people, right at the start. It was a challenge but I feel that I overcame it and saw that I was capable of doing it. I had Paula’s support and, although I didn’t know her at the time, she was always there to help.”
What is your favorite dish to cook?
“The vegetarian dishes are a challenge for me, but I like to try new things and be creative in the kitchen. I like to cook some of the dishes I created like Tofu à Brás and seitan meatballs,”.
Which country have you most liked visiting or would like to visit most?
“The country I liked visiting the most was Colombia. I had never been a backpacker–it was my first time and I went on a 13-day trip. Everything went really well. I met an indigenous community and witnessed one of the best moments of my life, a moment that made me very happy. There were so many children–almost 30 of them– all happy and playing in a river. I wanted to keep them all! It was an experience I truly loved.
One country I would like to visit is Argentina. I have visited many countries in Europe, but I would like to visit Latin America and go to Argentina.”
Regarding our volunteers, where do the most fun volunteers come from?
“Argentines and Italians–I like their spirit. They have a cheerful spirit like me”
If you could choose any profession, what would it be?
“A Cook!…I like getting to know the people I cook for, I like to know people’s tastes so I can cook with more love. One day I’ll have my own restaurant! I want a small space that fits just a few people. A place with people I know and where I can make personalized dishes to everyone’s individual taste.”
Do you feel that you contribute to the company’s mission to make a positive impact? If so, how?
“I feel that I do! As a cook, I always try to innovate and make use of all the “leftovers.” I try to manage the kitchen cost-effectively and always try to avoid waste with everything I do”.
3 things you most admire in people
“Honesty, simplicity, and good manners”.
What is your life motto?
“Travel, work, and be happy.”
