Ms. Steele

Contact Information

Phone: 289-0023 x1608 (Note: The best time to reach me is Tuesday through Friday 2:00-4:00 p.m.)

Email: robin.steele@venturausd.org

Room #: I 108

Schedule

Period1: Honors English

Period 2: World History

Period 3: World History

Period 4: World History

Period 5: English 10 (World Literature)

Period 6: English 10 (World Literature)

Period 7: Prep

Biography

At 5:45 a.m., the incisive blaring of the cheap alarm clock delivers a rude awaking. As I pull myself out of bed and look out the window, it is obvious the coast is hugged by a marine later. Driving on the empty streets that will be filled with traffic in only a matter of hours, I pick up my running partner. The drive begins in silence as we sip our coffee and head towards the mountains.

6:30 a.m. …gray skies dissipate and the sun emerges as we climb the mountain on hwy 154. Looking down below, fog blankets the town and sun lights the mountain. The division is obvious. 7:00 a.m. …We finally make it to the trail head for a seven mile run in solitude. Deep breaths and rocks moving under our pounding feet--a symphony to our ears.

Staying healthy, active and positive is extremely important to me. Running is my favorite activity because it serves as an active reminder of my limitations. Throughout my whole life, I have always felt the most comfortable while enduring the ultimate challenge. Anything that falls short of this extreme seems to lack value. This probably explains why my parents were on a first name basis with the family doctor after a plethora of trips for broken bones and stitches. I guess some lessons are learned the hard way. Running always allows me to make realistic goals because your body will always remind you when enough is enough especially when your mind won’t compromise. One of my greatest accomplishments is running a marathon.

I grew up in Chicago as the only child to two very nomadic east-coast raised parents. My mom is from New Jersey and an elementary school teacher. My father is from Philadelphia and works as an international businessman. Due to my father’s job, our family endured constant change—moving every two years and traveling quite frequently. The majority of my childhood, however, was spent in different areas of Chicago.

At seventeen, I moved to Santa Barbara in order to attend college. I moved out to California for several reasons, but mainly because I thought it was important to get away from your family in order to question the values that seemed like truth. While at UCSB, I majored in political science and had several odd jobs. One summer, I moved to Utah to work for a company that led trips whitewater rafting and mountain biking. I’ll tell you several stories about this experience throughout the year. Most summers I worked as a beach lifeguard and taught kids how to surf, kayak, sail, and snorkel. I also did freelance writing for an outdoor/adventure magazine.

Of all the jobs I have had, I am the most satisfied when I’m in the classroom. Teaching students has been one of the most valuable experiences that I have ever had and a continual challenge. I also love surfing, snowboarding, traveling and cooking healthy cuisine. I am really looking forward to getting to know all of you this year.