About MeHi! My name is Christy Bystrak and I am student in the M. Ed. Teacher Leadership program at High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Currently, I work at the Chula Vista Public Library in both the public services and literacy departments. This past year of being a student at HTH GSE and an employee at CVPL, has given me a unique opportunity to explore new approaches in designing learning opportunities for kids, families and adults.
As a Chula Vista native, I care deeply about the education and health of my community. Since high school, I have worked in many different settings that have influenced my decision to focus many of my efforts outside of school time. While attending Hilltop High, I worked in the recreation department for the City of Chula Vista. I coached tennis and flag football for elementary school kids. While attending college at San Diego City, I worked for the STRETCH (Safe Time for Recreation Enrichment and Tutoring of Children) Program and was introduced to Camp Adventure Youth Services. Though both these programs, I realized the power and impact that programs that happen outside of school can have on our youth. Through Camp Adventure Youth Services, I interned seven summers in 7 countries, providing recreational and educational services to military dependents overseas. I ran sports camps in Belgium and Germany, an Adventure camp in Japan, a preschool camp in Argentina, and day camps in Italy, Turkey and Belgium. Each internship provided me with a unique experience and guided me to continue to seek work that involved working with youth. After attending San Diego City College, I transferred to San Diego State University and obtained my B.S. Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Decision Systems. After graduating from college, I had the opportunity to work as an Educational Services Supervisor for the City of Chula Vista. I gladly accepted, and was responsible for working with the Educational Services Department to run and oversee over 35 after school sites in the Chula Vista Elementary School District with three colleagues. Unfortunately, this department was transferred to another agency during a fiscal crisis for the City of Chula Vista. Knowing that I still wanted to put my efforts into education, youth and the community, I looked for opportunities at the Chula Vista Public Library. In 2011, I began working as a Library Associate. At the library, I have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues to design and create programs and events for patrons. I also work within the Literacy Center Department to design learning experiences for adult learners and families. As I complete my second year with HTH GSE, I am looking forward to more adventures with working in the community to advocate for education both during school time and out! |
Contact Info:Chula Vista Public Library/
Chula Vista Literacy Team Library Associate 389 Orange Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91911 Phone: (619) 585-5760 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] |