My journey with the Family Network began at the end of 2015 when I transitioned into my new role as one of WBFN's Program Assistants. Unlike many of you, I wasn't an expat or an accompanying spouse. I’m a born and bred American a US National, and have been working at the World Bank since 2010 in two different units, when the opportunity arose to join on a DIAS at the Family Network, I seized it and met with the Program Coordinator, Catherine Mathieu, whom we all fondly know as "Catu."
Our conversation gave me a sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of the WBFN's mission. I realized the importance of providing a community for spouses of World Bank Group staff, offering them support and programs to help navigate their new lives. One of my first questions was about how male spouses receive the support they need, especially when they transition from being the main support of the family to an accompanying spouse. This change in dynamics can be challenging, and I know many male spouses share this concern.
On my first day at WBFN, I was welcomed by a wonderfully diverse group of people from all over the world. It was overwhelming to remember so many faces and names, and it felt like a bit of a culture shock. However, as time went on, I began to feel more settled and got to know some special individuals. Listening to everyone's stories about relocating to DC—the good, the bad, and the worrying—I started to understand how much members rely on the support we provide at WBFN. We offer a place to come to not be alone, to learn about living in a new city, and to help adjust to their new lives.
Having lived in DC for 30 years, I took many things for granted, like navigating the metro system or understanding the city’s layout with its four quadrants—NE, NW, SE, SW. But I soon realized that these were obstacles for newly arrived families. I remember receiving a call from a member who was too afraid to leave the house because she didn’t understand the money or how to buy a metro ticket, and she was too scared to ask for help. It made me realize the importance of the support we provide.
As I got used to the ever-changing faces as new members arrived, each day became a new learning experience. I found that members were curious about American culture, including our slang and idiomatic phrases. I had to be mindful of how fast I spoke and the expressions I used, as they could sometimes be confusing. For instance, I once mentioned a "conflict" regarding a meeting, which caused concern due to the different connotations of the word.
Over the last ten years, working with WBFN has been incredibly rewarding and challenging. I have enjoyed learning from our members from all over the world. It has opened my eyes to the obstacles that may seem trivial to me but are significant for you. I hope that in some small way, I and WBFN have been able to support you through your unique journey. Embrace it, and know that your stories and experiences have enriched my understanding and appreciation of our diverse community.
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