HHS senior joins People-to-People

Tara Beals
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    She isn’t your typical teenager.
    Anyone who knows Tara Beals, daughter of Shelly and David Beals, knows she is independent and doesn’t follow the crowd. When she graduates in June from Houlton High School, Beals will be adding to her intended path of college with practical education, as she has been accepted into the People to People Ambassador Program from July 8-28.
    “I wanted to travel before making the big step into the real world and starting college,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to learn about different cultures, see famous landmarks and eat exotic food.”
    Beals will be attending Southern New Hampshire University in the fall, studying criminal justice and forensic psychology.
    While going through college brochures, intermixed with the correspondence was a People to People pamphlet.
    “I had received pamphlets the last few years,” Beals explained. “I decided to go to an informational meeting and immediately, I knew this was the program for me.”
    Since her decision, Beals has been busy fundraising. She is $5,000 shy of her financial obligation of $7,500. To help compensate the cost, Beals has recycled bottles and made them into lamps. She is charging $15 per lamp, which are being showcased at Wiggy’s Trading Post, Dow’s Market and Lisa’s Hair Design.
    This weekend, Beals will have a table at the Trash and Treasure Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Houlton Rollerama. 
    She has a Facebook page where her products and progress can be followed: www.facebook.com/ groups/331663423522388.  Beals is also selling Avon products, as well.
    The People to People Ambassador Program is a travel service providing domestic and international travel opportunities to middle and high school students.
    “Through the program, I will participating in service projects, helping to confirm the power and progress that occurs when people combine forces in a positive way,” she said.
    Beals will be part of the European Odyssey program, which includes France, Italy and Greece.
    “I will explore many aspects through official meetings, school visits, environmental field studies with local experts. The program includes home stay experiences with local families and group housing to enhance my understanding of the local people and culture.”
    Since its founding in 1956, the People to People Ambassador Program has helped nearly half a million students, adults and athletes. To donate to Beals e-mail her at tara_beals23@hotmail.com or call 694-0214.
    “All profits go straight to my trip,” Beals added.