Heather Jameson

Hi Everyone-
Presently, I am a senior at Sonoma State University, working my way toward a degree in Environmental Education. I have always been drawn to teaching because I believe that it is a very rewarding job and enables me to give back to my community. I plan to graduate from SSU this coming Spring 2009 and will return in the Fall 2009 to enter the multiple subject teaching credential program at Sonoma State. After graduating I am interested in pursuing a career in the Environmental Education field while working for a company or agency providing site based education and active fieldwork.

A little more about me- This past year I have been interning at the Sonoma County Water Agency through their education department which provides class based as well as site based education to student throughout Sonoma and Novato County. Currently, I have been traveling to different schools and teaching water science to 3rd grade class. This involves teaching fun water facts, experiments and the water cycle boogie to 20 eager to learn students. I truly have a great time engaging and interacting with the students in fun hands-on actives. I also hold the position of Massage Coordinator at the Sonoma State Rec. Center as well as being a massage therapist. I can only imagine how many sore muscles there will be through out our summer with Bike and Build which means I will probably have my hands full, no pun intended. I have just recently begun volunteering for the Petaluma School garden program and run a garden lunch club for 1st- 5th graders. The garden lunch club is a chance for the student to get their hands in the dirt and to see the result of their action right before their own eyes. I love to see the students of all ages working hand in hand to reach a common goal, plus the miniature garden tools and gloves are adorable too. In my free time I take every chance to get outside. I love the outdoors and have been very active throughout my life. Backpacking, camping, hiking, cycling, water sports and winter sports have always been a passion of mine. I believe my experiences with the outdoors have led to my respect and curiosity of our environment which has greatly shaped the life I live.

This past spring semester 2008, I was given an opportunity of a life time to learn and travel throughout twelve different countries. By having this experience I was able to encounter and interact with many other cultures. I have come to believe that interactions with other cultures can be viewed as a resource for understanding. Throughout my travels I was able to see firsthand how we are all truly from the same essence, yet each one of us is a unique individual. I then realized that I have yet to see a majority of my own country and the many cultures and lifestyles it is comprised of. Bike & Build will give me the opportunity to interact and create connections with the vast number of cultures and communities within my own nation. I am very enthusiastic to have this opportunity and chance to experience my own country while supporting and being involved in a selfless cause.

I was very excited that Bike & Build's focus is to contribute and support affordable housing efforts across our country. As an Environmental Education major I have come to realize that energy efficiency goes hand in hand with affordable housing efforts. I believe that incorporating energy efficiency and sustainable building practices will lower the overall costs of maintaining and running of households which inevitably helps the family financially as well as our global community. I am eager to see firsthand what aspects of energy efficiency and sustainable development affordable housing organizations are utilizing as well as what role I can play in promoting energy efficient and sustainability through affordable housing efforts. So what better way to further my interest in energy efficiency and promote sustainable affordable housing then biking my way across country to spread the word and to roll up my own sleeves to help improve the quality of life for others as well as my own. Wish me luck:)

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Northern U.S.