Alaska Is...

       a little piece of heaven on earth. The sun is shining every day int eh summer and you are s high in the mountains that you’d swear you were in heaven. It’s so unbelievable that you are actually here when ou were dreaming what it would be like a few months ago. It takes your breath away and there is so much to do and so much to see! I love it and if I didn’t have something to go home to I would stay here forever!

Final Reflections

        About six months ago, I remember turning in my application to Ishtar thinking, I WILL go to Alaska, I WILL go to Alaska, and now 6 months later, I’m actually here. It just seemed like yesterday when it was the day before I left. I was so nervous yet excited about his trip. I had so many thoughts in my mind: what will it be like in Alaska? Oh my gosh! I’m going to Alaska! it was going to be my first plane ride and the longest I have ever been away from home. Who could have thought that 3 weeks could take such a toll on your life? I have definitely changed since the beginning of the trip. I have learned to not complain and always have a good attitude, no matter what you’re doing. I have also learned a great amount of teamwork, whether you are the leader or the follower, and to never give up. There were so many times where I wanted to just give up on Exit Glacier, but the others pulled me thorough.
       Alaska has been so amazing. I remember stepping off of the plane and getting so excited over the first mountain that I saw. Everything here is beautiful, the wildlife, the scenery, everything. The wildlife is probably my favorite. The moose and caribous and bears. And of course, who could forget the whales? I have seen so many sights that I will remember my whole life, from a whale breaching right by the boat to sliding down Exit Glacier after a long climb. I have done more exciting things on this trip than I have done in my whole life, like running a 10K (my first one) and climbing to the top of Mount Healy. There are no words that can express how great this trip has been. I have gotten to know so many more people and have created new friendships.
       No one will ever see what we have seen on this trip. I will always remember the best trip ever, my trip to Alaska.