Please allow me to introduce myself...

Dear Parents and Ambassadors,

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Christine Berube and I will be traveling with you on your European adventure next week! I know I have missed your entire introduction and meetings for this trip, but I look forward to meeting you all at the airport next Monday morning (bright and early).

I spoke with Dianne at length and I am exited to travel with what sounds like and amazing group of young adults. I will be updating the blog at

http://peopletopeopleeurope.blogspot.com/

and taking tons of pictures to share with you after we return. I have included my People To People Biography below to give you a bit of information about myself. You can email me at coach.b@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions (especially about the blog) before we meet on Monday August 20th at 5 a.m. (not 4 a.m.)

Christine Berube


My Experience as a Teacher

In the fall of 2009 I will begin my 12th year of teaching in the Bay Area. I have taught beginning and intermediate Algebra, Physical Education at the junior high and high school levels. The 2009-2010 school year will mark my fifth year teaching 9th grade Health Education at Prospect High School in Saratoga, CA, a subject I absolutely love!

My Travel Experience

I have been lucky to travel to many exciting places. When I was 13 years old, my parents took a family trip to China. I have vivid memories of the heat, the different customs and foods, and the attention I attracted as one of the first "tourists" to visit the emerging country. More recently I traveled with a friend through Italy (Rome, Florence, and Venice) during the Holiday season. It was absolutely wonderful seeing all of the beautiful scenery and learning more about customs and traditions of Italy.

In February of 2008, I traveled to Paris with a small group of teachers and had a splendid time. Then, in April of 2008, I explored the Greek Islands with some teachers and students from a neighboring school. I remember feeling a tremendous feeling of pride in my students, seeing how much respect they showed for the people and places we visited. Their curiosity and desire to learn was such an inspiration to me.

And finally, in July of 2008, I was able to travel to Holland with a People to People delegation from the Bay Area. Once we arrived in Holland I took on the role of Team Leader for the Junior High Volleyball players as they trained and competed in the Youth Friendship Games. Again, I was amazed by the maturity level and exuberance of the young ladies I had the pleasure of working with.

My Hobbies and Interests

My number one interest is in health and fitness. I am a UCSB certified Aerobics and Group Fitness Instructor and National Academy of Sports Medicine certified Personal Trainer. I am a former employee of Gold's Gym in Santa Barbara, CA, and still teach the occasional aerobics class in San Jose when needed. I recently became SCUBA certified and have had a great time exploring life underwater. I have made a number of good friends through my trips and diving adventures. I just wish the water in my area was 10 - 20 degrees warmer. Monterey is cold! Another passion of mine is photography. I was a Studio Art major at UCSB and, while I did not pursue a career in photography, I still have a love for the art. I carry a small camera everywhere I go... just in case!

My Favorite People to People Moment

There were so many adventures on my first People to People trip that I absolutely loved. I had an opportunity to learn a great deal about the history of the Netherlands and actually experience the unique aspects of their culture. We went on a bike ride following the canals in the countryside, visited a cheese-making factory and a wooden shoe making store. We even went and visited the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam. I am so glad I had an opportunity to visit and learn about such a beautiful country. What made it especially meaningful was being able to do so with a group of intelligent, well-mannered, and intellectually curious group of young adults.

Again, I look forward to meeting you and traveling through Europe with you. See you soon!