hello! (No. 38)

Hello Everyone!

My name is Jamie Diaz and I am one of your Global Glimpse Leaders this year for our trip to Turrialba, Costa Rica!  This will be my first trip with Global Glimpse and I’m really excited!  I decided to be a GGL because I know from experience how life changing traveling can be, and I’m excited to see you all stretch and grow during our trip!  I teach Biology and Forensic Science at Castro Valley High School and I love my job!  Working with young people is something I’ve always enjoyed doing, and I’m especially excited to get to know all of you!

When I’m not teaching, you can find me spending time playing with my 5 year old daughter, Nico, and my husband of 10 years, John.  We like to go on hikes and play outside as often as we can.  One of my favorite things to do with my family and friends is to go on mushroom hunts after it rains!  I am a firm believer that the outdoors can be the best teacher a child or person can have.  With Global Glimpse, we get to use one of the most biologically diverse locations in the world as our classroom!

A few things I’m doing to prepare for the trip are…

1. Practicing my Spanish  –   I’m married to a native speaker but still consider myself a beginner. 
2. Going on hikes –  We’re going to be walking a ton, so get as much physical exercise as you can before the trip.
3. Taking care of myself – I get motion sickness really easily on buses and airplanes.  We’re going to be on some windy roads and I want to be on my A-game for all of you.  I was able to get a prescription to help with motion sickness for the duration of our trip.  Think ahead!  Do you get car/plane/boat sick?  

A few more things about me are…

1. I am in my Taylor Swift Era and am always ready for a dance party!
2. I’m going to miss my daughter and husband so much! They’re really excited for me though, so having their love and support will help me get through the 14 days without them.
3. I’m a big insect and mushroom enthusiast so be sure to point them out to me!
4. I can be quiet at times, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong, I just need to relax or rest for a bit to recharge my batteries.