June 24, 2011

Daily Report from the Journalism Committee

The Simple Life by Jessica

The simple things in life, which many times are the most important, are often taken for granted and seldom given a second thought. Having lungs that breathing, having a heart that beats, waking up in the morning. All things that are all too often overlooked. Sitting in the laundry room watching the clothes tumble head over heels like a falling child just learning to take their first steps I was able to think about these things. Sometimes it's the things we once dread, sitting in the car, riding for hours with nothing to do but look out the window onto the never ending ground rushing past you, that we come to enjoy. We even at times want to do more so than sitting in front of the once so appealing television. Things we cast off as chores would be an extravagant experience, so many people whose lives we don't even think about would love the chance to have clean clothes, to have drinkable water and even to have someone to let them know that tomorrow will be better. I am conscious that being in Alaska is a privilege beyond many others, and is almost polar opposites of what so many less fortunate people go through. Yet it still gives me a secrete pleasure and makes me smile as I pull out a newly cleaned shirt and know so much is ahead of me.

Today Doing Laundry by Tyler

Today was a day of catching up. After breakfast, we had a first for the trip: we did our laundry. Though for many of us this (doing laundry) was a first, it went smoothly. Afterwards, we spent time at the Harley store looking at souvenirs for our families and ourselves. The virtual remainder of the day was spent packing and driving from Fairbanks back to Grizzly Bear (in Denali). When we were driving, we were all immersed in beauty once again. Though much was not done, it was a fulfilling day due to the great sites in the wonderful state of Alaska.