Alaska Is:
         Alaska is my natural habitat. It is my home, my refuge—a place that constantly amazes, surprises and reassures me. In Alaska, I sweep up the pieces of my life and put them back together. Here I feel whole; I feel peace; and I remember who I am and where I’m going.

Final Reflection:
        Each year, I struggle to find the words to describe what Alaska means to me. I’m bursting with emotions that I can’t quite put my finger on; to me, the Alaska experience is so complex, so fragile and fleeting that it is difficult for me to even understand myself, yet alone put into words for others. I’ve now been to Alaska three times. I’ve climbed each mountain three times, I’ve run three races, and I’ve eaten more canned chili than I care to recall, yet there is something about Alaska - something about the beauty I see in the landscape, the beauty I see in those around me, and the beauty I find in myself - that draws me back each summer.
      Every year brings something new. My first year, I “found” myself. Forced into a new realm of personal responsibility, I learned a lot about self-reliance. I tried new things, ventured outside of my comfort zone. I learned that “I can.” My second year, I learned about people. I learned that leadership isn’t just telling someone to go do something. I learned how difficult, yet rewarding, it can be to lead a group towards a common goal. I watched participants grow and change – just as I had the year before – and realized how much I, as a leader, could influence someone else’s experience.
      This year, I found myself looking inward a little more. I found myself stunned by the view from my sleeping bag at Seaside Farm, the purple of the mountains reflected in a Katchemak Bay sunset or stopped short by a topaz lake viewed from atop a mountain. A wise, Birkenstock-sporting man once told me to “do what brings you joy and bliss,” and I began looking for that. It was a spiritual trip for me, a trip of reflection and a little soul-searching, and the perfect happiness that only an Alaskan mountain can bring.
      I learned a lot about love. I found a deeper love for myself, and developed a love for every person on this trip. They are a wonderful group of students, leaders and adults – each one brings something unique and beautiful to the trip. I came to appreciate and love them all – and to see them grow, change and come together as group was amazing for me.
      Alaska – once again, in these three short weeks, you have left me changed, left me awed and made me a better person. Each year, you show me a new glimpse of you and remind me that there is always beauty to see if you look in the right places. You are a part of me, and I hope I am a part of you. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me next.