Hello everyone!

My Name is Jean-Claude Gerlus and I am one of the two Global Glimpse Leaders traveling to Matagalpa 2 this summer.   I live in Springfield, Massachusetts and teach French and Spanish in the Springfield School District. I have never been to Nicaragua but have been lucky enough to study in many countries, including Spain and Colombia. This is my first delegation to Central America and I have heard great things from other GGLs who have been to Matagalpa before.

Some quick facts about me:
1.      I am Haitian-American
2.      I love music (all kinds: Classical, Instrumental, Country, Folk, Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata, Vallenato, etc.)
3.      I am married and have 3 children
4.      I went to State University of Haiti, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Pedagogica Nacional in Colombia, and State University of New York at Binghamton.
5.      I like traveling, biking, walking and enjoying the outdoors. I love to experience the way others live their lives and cultures.

I am really excited about this trip! I became a GG Leader because this is an amazing opportunity for our students. I have become the person I am today due in part to having had opportunities similar to Global Glimpse when I was younger. Being able to live in different countries and share other people’s cultures has helped me see life through the eyes of others. I want to support younger generations to have a similar experience as I had in the past.

I am looking forward to meeting all of you, Program Coordinators who are impatiently waiting to share with us all the activities you have prepared in order to give us a Glimpse of Nicaragua, and most importantly, you Glimpsers, because I know that each one of you is bringing your open minds and leadership skills to this trip. This will be an experience that will challenge you to see the world in a different way.

 If anyone has any questions, please contact either myself or my co-leader Terri.

 See you all in a couple of weeks!

Jean-Claude Gerlus