We see her every day, often rushing, almost always joking, with the rest of our talented lunch crew. But, of course, Wandi has a lot more to her than just the world’s most infectious laugh. So, today: a little insight into who Wandi is, her history, and why she’s one of our favourite people.
Born in Thailand, Wandi has been working here at SIS for the past nineteen years. The name Wandi means ‘wonderful day,’ and represents the positive outlook on life we all want to have. Wandi herself, describing herself as not really religious, but a person with a Buddhist mindset, values peace rather than materialistic pursuits. “The goal in life? I think everyone has goals, like, ‘I want to be rich, I want…’ But for me, I want a happy, easy life – everything should be enjoyed.”
Oh, but that’s not to say Wandi wouldn’t hurt a fly. When I asked her what she likes to do for fun, she first said ‘gardening’ (after a pause of a few exchanged giggles with Gloria), describing her love for watching the process of the plants growing – but she also told me about her journey as… a judo artist. In college, she tells me, she was on the District team for judo, and she considers it her main sport, having gotten to the level of a brown belt. Wandi was also on the swim team for her university. Now, she loves training and working out: an active lifestyle for an active soul. The one thing she says she doesn’t like? Football – which is ironic, because Wandi proceeded to tell me her son Anthonio Sanjairag is a professional centre-back for Thai club Samui United.
What else was Wandi doing during her formative years, apart from developing her illustrious athletic pursuits? Well, she really doesn’t rest when setting an example for the rest of us, because Wandi studied at Bangkok University under a scholarship. Having first studied accounting, she switched her area of education to physical therapy, her main subject. Wandi claims she only took up cooking as a challenge; she never really cooked growing up. She only started to cook for her children after moving to Sweden in 1995 (the street food scene here wasn’t exactly what it was in Bangkok). She began to enjoy it, and started cooking as a side job. And, however it came to be about, we’re glad her path converged with ours!
Speaking of us: I asked Wandi if there was anything the student body could do to make her day brighter. And we must’ve made a good impression, because she said everyone she meets has been kind, and held themselves with great respect. Wandi thinks this is one of the most important qualities in a school environment; mutual respect from teachers and students, so that everyone can focus on learning everything we can as equals.
Wandi is very qualified to give us insight into the more philosophical questions of how to live our lives. Wandi said that it is necessary to experience everything, and ups and downs are a much more preferable state of being; the lessons life gives us makes sure we are ready for all situations. “You are ready when you are faced with sadness, and grateful when you experience happiness. Live in the present, in the now.” How wise of you, Wandi! As well as that, she said our biggest strength is our differences and we should know to celebrate diversity when we are faced with it – that we should be recognised for who we are, rather than where we came from.
It was at this point that Wandi broke out into a rendition of Happy Birthday. I had just asked her when her birthday was (March 9, in case the information is missing from your brain), and she gave me a good display of the spontaneity and ‘living in the moment’ energy that she had talked about before! Finally, when I asked Wandi if there was anything else she’d like to say, she said, not really; she finds all the students very good-natured and she’s glad we feel trust for her. So, next time you see Wandi throughout your day, remember to let her know how much you appreciate her, and maybe ask if she can teach you some judo moves. We love you, Wandi!
