Meet Christina! Part of our Work Study program, Christina works at the Front Desk greeting students and families, assisting teachers, as well as other helpful tasks. We are so grateful for the time you give to this organization!
Where are you from?
I grew up in Canada—in New Brunswick and Quebec City. My husband and I moved here in July from Kitchener, Ontario.
What were you doing in Ontario?
For years I was a grad student in early modern European history, first in a masters’ program and then for a PhD. My dissertation was on the Anabaptist prophets in 16th-century Strasbourg.
What brought you to North Portland?
My husband got a job at the University of Portland as a professor of computer science. We had opportunities in several places in the United States and Portland was our top choice. We live in Portsmouth, very close to the cut.
What’s your connection with CPPAC, aside from volunteering?
I am a member of the St. Johns Women’s Choir.
What voice do you sing?
Soprano. I can sing any of the parts, but I enjoy pushing the higher end of my range more than the lower end. In the choir I sing soprano 2 because that’s where I’m needed. I like to sing soprano 1 when I get the chance.
What do you do when you’re not volunteering or singing at CPPAC?
I’m not a U.S. citizen and don’t have a work authorization now, so living here has been an interesting exercise in temporary early retirement. I’ve been enjoying getting to know Portland and getting involved in various groups. It’s nice to have the time and the margin to get to know the city. I’m very involved in the Portland Mennonite Church. In Canada I had the chance to do some university teaching, and I will be doing some teaching for Canadian universities online.
What are some of your other interests?
I love cooking and baking. I don’t enjoy cleaning so I somehow don’t really have time for it. I cross-stitched for years, and I do embroidery and crochet. I have too many crafts which results in project decision paralysis. I read, though not as much as I used to because I took up too many crafts. I like to read cookbooks, and very light fiction, young adult fantasy, and spiritual nonfiction. My husband I I like board games and musical theater. Tomorrow we’re going to see Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Armory.
What do you like about volunteering at CPPAC?
I am lucky enough to volunteer on a day when it’s mostly kids’ classes. It brings me so much joy to hear the children sing.
What’s your favorite thing about CPPAC?
Music is what drew me here—the chance to sing together, a way to build community. Singing together was commonplace when everyone practiced religion together and sang together. Now, I think that’s something people have been missing. An opportunity for shared joy. CPPAC also provides a good way to get to know people in the neighborhood. As someone new to the area, it’s easy to be isolated, not to know anyone locally. In the Women’s Choir I regularly meet with all of these women who are my neighbors. Without that, I wouldn’t know them if I ran into them in the grocery store. I’m really grateful for that.