Culturally diverse is how I would describe Regions 3 and 4. We are the melting pot and the Ellis Island of the South. Everywhere I go, I'm met with down-home southern hospitality.

I have the best of both worlds. I can go from a large 5A school district in Humble or Houston to a small 2A school in Weimar or Louise. Within eight hours, I can drive down the biggest freeway on I-10 in Houston to the country roads in Damon or Cuero. I can keep up with the fast pace of the big city or take a nice drive in the country breeze.

In one day, you can get every type of food, including Czech, Korean, Cajun, Mexican, and Soul. I've had the best chicken fried steak in Nordheim and in Tomball and melt-in-your-mouth menudo in Rosenburg. (I bet you thought I was going to say steak.)

The history is rich in this part of Texas. You can visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Yorktown or the San Jacinto Battleground in Houston. There are museums all over Houston, Galveston, Goliad, El Campo, West Columbia, Victoria, and many more. I could go to a different museum every day for a month and still not see them all!

The beaches here are awesome, too. I can go from Baytown to Anahuac and Galveston to Port Lavaca. I love driving on Quintana Beach and walking along the water outside the Texas Baptist Encampment in Palacios.

Camping is also popular here. We have many state parks, campgrounds, and reserves. Regions 3 and 4 are a great place to have a local unit retreat or a reunion, or to take the family camping.

Families love Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, the zoos in Victoria or Houston, and the Crocodile Encounter in Angleton. There is truly something for everyone in this part of Texas.

I have a passion for museums and old courthouses and particularly love the courthouses in Hallettsville and Columbus. There is just something special about the architecture and the history of those buildings. I love that many courthouses have festivals and events on their grounds.

Speaking of festivals, in this part of Texas, you can go to a strawberry festival in Pasadena, a Greek festival in Houston, a German heritage festival in Tomball, or a Czech kolache festival in East Bernard. Come and enjoy something new and different.

I've heard people say that Texas is a whole other country. Regions 3 and 4 are the epitome of that statement. In this part of Texas, you can experience cultural diversity, eat to your heart’s desire, and have educational experiences for the whole family. Plus, we will make you feel at home while you do so.

If you are looking for rich experiences like I've had, come on down to Regions 3 and 4.

We'll leave the light on for ya.

Check out Cynthia's photo album of Regions 3 and 4.

Cynthia Villalovos is ATPE’s representative for Regions 3 and 4. Before becoming an ATPE regional representative, Cynthia was an academy principal and had worked in education for 18 years. She was an ATPE volunteer for nearly 20 years.