Staff Profile: Glenda Castanares

Staff Profile: Glenda Castanares Each week we will feature a member of staff across all areas of the school including teachers, admin staff, support staff and more, to get to know members of our school family a little better. Our profile this week is Glenda Castanares, Primary Librarian. Each week we will feature a member of staff across all areas of the school including teachers, admin staff, support staff and more, to get to know members of our school family a little better. Our profile this week is Glenda Castanares, Primary Librarian.

Marhaba! I am Glenda Lopez Castanares, the Primary Librarian. I come from the mountainous province where chocolate hills, tarsiers, beautiful beaches, and lovely and hospitable people can be found; Bohol, Philippines. 

I enrolled in a Bachelor of Secondary Education in a state university and graduated in 1999. I was employed as a Secondary teacher in one of the most prestigious Secondary schools in my hometown. After promptly passing the Licensure for Teachers, I subsequently realised that learning is undeniably a continuous process. I enrolled in a Master of Art in Teaching Vocational Education, and attended every Saturday until I finished the programme in just two and a half years. 

I am the type of person for whom the only pastime is reading. I visited the library during my free time, mostly offering my services to help, and sometimes I would be found roaming around in a bookstore reading books on science, history fiction and horror. I also joined an Explorer’s Club where we climbed mountains, as well as ventured onto beaches, which was fun.

I would not say that I am a devoted traveller. but looking for a greener pasture made me decide to apply for a job abroad. In 2008, I started working for Nord Anglia Education, where I was part of the Public Private Partnership project working as a teaching and learning assistant. Later, I joined BIS Abu Dhabi when it opened in 2009. Working in the Library is like a reward for me; meeting almost 1300 students a week makes me happy, seeing the smiles and excitement of every students who comes in to swap books or to listen to a story. I also enjoy seeing staff who come and pass by with greetings. Indeed, this place is my happiness. 

My passion and love for education is shown by the number of years I have spent working at BIS Abu Dhabi. I encourage the idea that education is a treasure that can be achieved through hard work, and anyone can acquire it if they are eager to learn. 

I am a reliable person, and a real support to my family and friends. I always try to help everyone. I am proud that today my mother always mentions me as an example when she is teaching values to her grandchildren; because of my attitudes towards learning and how consistent I am in pursuing my dreams.

Glenda Castanares, Primary Librarian