Traveling for New Experiences

Written by Amanda Humber, Staff Writer

Aside from being a World history teacher, AP Art history instructor and the Arts and Travel Club advisor, Gahr alumni Jennifer Flores also travels around the world in her spare time.

While in high school, Flores would dream about traveling to the classes she learned about. So, after high school, she accomplished her goal of traveling and traveled to 42 countries.

“I have always liked to learn about new places, people and cultures,” said Flores, “and its one reason I became a history teacher.”

Although it was not her original plan to teach, Flores was inspired by the UC Riverside History Department since she was a teacher’s aide and tutored other people which she was naturally good at.

After receiving her Bachelor’s from UC Riverside, Flores decided to get her teaching
credentials from Long Beach State and begin her career at Gahr High School.

Flores got the inspiration to travel from her students and had a genuine love to learn about new things.

Some of her favorite places to visit were Kathmandu, Nepal in Asia, Russia to admire St. Petersburg, and Italy since it was her home for a summer in 2004.

“I took a six week art class in Italy and it will always hold a special place with me”, said Flores, “I could never get tired of looking at the architecture.”

With all the traveling she has done, Flores has learned a valuable life lesson and it is to
appreciate what you have.

Determined to do one trip a year, Flores already has plans for 2010 to enter Latin America or the Middle East.