- Ryan

Alaska Is...  

        Alaska is a place full of many terrains. Including majestic mountains, seemingly everlasting glaciers and oceans so beautiful that you donít believe whatís right in front of you truly exists. Alaska is a place of furnishing nature. From moose, bear, caribou, seals, and those annoying ground squirrels. It offers many animals that you may never see again. Itís a place where you find out that six, eighth-grade girls can destroy a van faster that a hurricane can destroy a house. Alaska is a place of joining friendships, whether itís sleeping in a tent together, or those long van drives. Itís a place where you become close with people you never wouldíve. Alaska is a place where you start friendships you will have for the rest of your life and experiences you will never forget.

Final Reflections

        Coming back on this trip as a junior leader is a very different experience. I remember all the wonderful mountains, glaciers, and those moments where you look around and it take your breath away. The thing that really made me realize why I love this trip is the relationships you gain from it. To be honest, I was nervous going into this trip because I thought I wouldn’t like any of the junior leaders. It turned out that I judged these people completely wrong. They are some of the nicest, funniest, and for lack of a better word, coolest people ive been blessed to meet. I have also gained new relationships with the participants. I thought going to Alaska after my senior year would be fine, but I now realize that I could see these guys at the high school. I barely knew underclassmen my years in high school, and I wish I could see them in the future. There is one more relationship I would like to talk about, and that is the one I have formed with the drivers. I remember how much I looked up to the junior leaders my eighth grade year. I feel that same feeling of respect towards the drivers this year. They are all great people and fantastic role models. From these relationships I have grown as a person more then I ever could at home. That’s why I came to Alaska, to never go home the same.