This is a story about two journeys intertwined. One is a mother’s journey, filled with sacrifice and the unwavering love for a child left behind. The other is a journey of self-discovery in the world of cryptocurrency, leading to an unexpected community and purpose.
The whir of the air conditioner is the soundtrack to my life here in the Middle East. Six years ago, I left my home, my family, and most importantly, my child, to build a better future for us. Every day is a balancing act – the longing for my child against the fierce determination to provide for them.
Being a single mother supporting a child is incredibly demanding. I know this firsthand; the sacrifices are immense, especially when distance separates you. Fortunately, I had the support of my parents to take care of my child. A mother’s love and dedication are unwavering, even across time and distance.
For six years, I worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the Middle East, without any vacation, enduring the heartache of separation from my child to provide for his future. It was a crash course in adaptation – navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and the loneliness of being away from family. But like many Filipinos, resilience is in my blood. I learned, I persisted, and I held onto the hope of reuniting with my child.
July 2018. That date is seared into my memory. It was the day I boarded a plane, leaving behind my four-year-old son. He was so small then, his hand barely reaching mine as we said our tearful goodbyes. I promised him it was all for him, for a future where we could be together, free from worry. He’ll be ten this year, my little boy, growing up so fast without me there to see it. But every sacrifice, every lonely night, is a testament to my love for him.
I left my country hoping I could save well enough and go home. Then came the pandemic, extending my time abroad and unexpectedly opening a door to the world of cryptocurrency. In May 2022, I discovered the world of P2E games through a Filipino friend. I became actively involved in the community and volunteered my time for over a year.
It was March 25th, 2023, when a friend dropped a link into our server chat – the Shibarium Technology Discord. I was immediately curious. I’d heard whispers of this “Shiba Inu” project, and some of our own members were already flocking to it. Plus, the names “Shytoshi” and “Queen Lucie” are names I’ve already heard.
Curiosity led me to join, and despite initial shyness, I gradually became more engaged. Looking back, I believe this was meant to be.
From shy beginnings, I found my voice within the Shibarium community. I started by simply helping where I could, reporting bad actors and answering questions. Sand and Maximous were the first to welcome me into the Shibarium Discord community. They were so chatty and welcoming that I quickly felt at ease. (And they still are, haha!) It wasn’t long before I was chatting with lots of people and feeling like I’d found a place where I belonged.
At the time, I was just a regular member, Shiba Baby. I work inside the house and in my type of work, the only thing I use to communicate with other people is a phone. (And just to be clear, I’m a real person, not a bot!)
My constant online presence wasn’t unnoticed. When the call for Discord moderators went out, I hesitated, but the encouragement of my newfound friends gave me the push I needed.
When they chose me as a Puppy Mod in August 2023, I was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. The trust they placed in me was exhilarating, but I was also terrified of messing up. I had zero experience as a moderator! Still, I dove in headfirst, fueled by my passion for the Shibarium community.
And any time I doubted myself, the admins, devs, and my fellow mods were there to guide and support me. They became my safety net, always ready with a helping hand. Eventually, I earned my stripes as a full-fledged Bark Mod. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly and an opportunity I am eternally grateful for.
Being a volunteer mod for a project as big as Shibarium is no walk in the park It is challenging, demanding, and often thankless, but let me tell you, it’s rewarding. We’re on the front lines every day, dealing with scammers, answering questions, and providing support on both Discord and Telegram. Some people think our only job is to swing the ban hammer, but that’s not even close.
We’re a lifeline for so many in the community. Every day, people come to us for help, and our incredible Legend and Protector Mods in the ticket room work tirelessly to assist them. I’m a Bark Mod, and I try to lighten their load however I can. I’ve made it my mission to learn the ins and outs of the most common problems so I can offer quick solutions. And if a situation needs a more technical touch? I make sure the user gets connected with our Legend Mods right away.
It’s not always easy on the mind and heart, though. We deal with our fair share of bad actors in the crypto space. Some days, it feels like we’re wading through a sea of negativity and hurtful words from people who seem to have nothing better to do. But seeing the positive impact we have, the friendships forged, and the shared passion for the Shibarium project and the broader Shiba Inu ecosystem make it all worthwhile.
To anyone trying to spread FUD or scam our members: Good luck! You’ll find me and the rest of the mod team on Discord and Telegram, working 24/7 to protect the ShibArmy. To the ShibArmy: You can find me on Discord and Telegram every day, working hard to keep our community safe and informed. We’re a strong pack, and we look out for each other. Thank you for being a part of this and for making me feel at home.
