My name is Tami Greene-Batista. I was born and raised in sunny Encinitas, California. I love the ocean, nature, working with young children, gardening, and the sun. I lived in Encinitas until I was 18, going to neighborhood schools: Flora Vista, Diegueno Middle School, and San Dieguito Academy. When I graduated High School I grew wings and finally left the comfort of my warm little beach town. This was when the travel bug and the outside world bit...
I moved north to attend UC Santa Cruz (so really, I just moved to a colder little beach town) and lived there for 2 1/2 years. I wasn't completely happy at UCSC so I decided to take time off. During this time off, I went to New Orleans and volunteered for the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, moved to Kaua'i and worked and lived on an organic, permaculture farm (at this point in time, I completely fell in love with playing in the dirt and gardening). I lived on Kaua'i for 6 months and then moved to Santa Barbara where I received my B.A in Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara. While attending UC Santa Barbara, I spent my last semester in Brazil studying Portuguese, Brazilian culture and Brazilians, the beach, and teaching English in a Favela (slums). One month after moving back from Brazil, to Encinitas, I met my husband, Rodrigo (who is Brazilian ;) ). We spent a summer in Santa Barbara where I received a TEFL certificate (teaching English as a foreign language).
This last year was spent in Brazil visiting family, traveling, and practicing my Portuguese, and living on Kaua'i. While living on Kaua'i for the second time, I became adamant about following my dream and not waiting on tourists! Consequently, we moved back to Encinitas and I am now attending San Marcos State to get my teaching certificate, so I can do what I love... TEACH! In terms of being technologically gifted, I am not. I have a regular cell phone that calls and texts. I have a computer that I use to hold my pictures, music, emails, and school assignments. I appreciate the technology in my life, but I prefer to be in the ocean, in the garden, or with physical people. I am sceptical of the progress of technology. I am afraid that it is, in fact, forcing us to distance ourselves from one-another, rather than bringing us closer. I am hoping that Educ. 422 can show me how technology can positively bring people together.
CSUSM's commitment to cultivate teachers who are dedicated to diversity, educational equity, and social justice is very important to me. While teaching English in the Calabar Favela in Brazil I saw, first hand, the direct effect of social, economic, and racial discrimination and exclusion in the educational system. This is a world wide issue. Thus, everyday, I strive to bring equity into my community, my world, and my classroom.
Wow Tammi you have lived such a rewarding life. That is great that you have had the opportunity to do what you have done in Brazil. You definately have a passion for teaching and for helping children that I really admire. My passion was overlooked until two years ago when I changed my major from nursing to teaching. I just started working at a probation school and I finally get to firsthand see how rewarding it is to help and support children. I wish I have the time and opportunity to accomplish what you have accomplished one day.
ReplyDeleteTami I am really impressed by what you did. Teaching English in another country isn't easy and takes alot of courage to do. I think you are going to be a great teacher;)
ReplyDeleteHi Tami!
ReplyDeleteWow you have had such an amazing life! I am very jealous! It is very impressive that you have taught in Brazil. What an amazing opportunity! You are definitely an inspiration. And you are obviously going to make a great teacher! :)
Hi Tami - Nice blog. You've done a lot of the things that I have always wanted to, like teaching and volunteering abroad, but I got too scared to take off school. You are a great example that sometimes we need more time exploring to see what we should do as a career. I agree that the progression of technology is a little scary - I'd rather be in the ocean too!
ReplyDeleteHi Tami,
ReplyDeleteYou've done so much and gone so far, that's amazing. You have such a big heart you are a total inspiration to myself and I'm sure to others as well. I hope to one day have as much courage, desire and determination as you have. You will be a great teacher and impact many life's. :)
Hi Tami,
ReplyDeleteI think you experience in Brazil sounds amazing..especially that you fell in love! It is wonderful that you speak another language and your study of another culture will really help you as a teacher in the classroom.
Tami - I am envious you have been so blessed to travel as much as you have! I love all the Hawaiian islands and have visited many times but have never lived there. I have always wanted to go to Brazil so I am so sure you had a great time there. I love that you follow your dreams and make them happen. That is a characteristic and quality I wish more people would be bold enough to have.
ReplyDeleteHey Tami,
ReplyDeleteI think it is so awesome that you have traveled around and got to see so many different cultures and ways of living. I have always wanted to go away and live somewhere else for a while but have never had the chance. I think it will add so much to your ability to teach about different cultures and children will enjoy hearing about your experiences.
Hi Tami,
ReplyDeleteYou're sitting right next to me in class as we speak. I love your bio! It makes me want to go back to my blog and add "depth" to my life, lol. Traveling is great and I love how you are so blessed by being able to do what you do. It was great reading your blog and as for someone who does not see herself as "technologically gifted" your blog looks great!