Hannah K

Alaska Is

Alaska is growing up. The AGLP trip teaches you many things, such as independence. You live 3 and a half weeks without parents and you are forced to grow up. You must take care of yourself: from doing dishes, to doing your own laundry, to packing your bags. Alaska has taught me not to rely on others so much.
            During the last 12 days of our Alaskan experience, I’ve learned to be more social with strangers. Even peers I thought I knew, I’ve realized I only know their outside appearance. I’ve gotten closer with many people and came out of my shell and embrace interacting with strangers. That’s why I think Alaska is also new friendships, and new beginnings.
            Alaska is many things to many people. Some may call it “wilderness”, “fun”, or “beautiful”, but most will agree it’s life changing.

Final Reflections

            Three and a half weeks in Alaska, three and a half weeks worth of memories. People were right; Alaska does change you. Alaska has taught me to be more open to new things and not to be so concerned about what people think. Alaska is a way to grow up. Sure I miss my family and friends at home, but I’m not quite ready to leave this beautiful place.
            On day one of the trip I faced excitement for the trip, but disappointment for my tent. I was assigned a tent that had few of my friends in it, and I was not happy. But now, looking back at the trip, my tent is one of the things that I will miss the most. It’s weird how much you allow yourself to open up to people you barely even knew. No matter what drama happened during the day I knew I always has my 5 tent members to talk to at night during out “tent talks”. I’m going to definitely miss those five when I go back home. I don’t quite know what I expected when I came to Alaska, but it wasn’t to see beautiful views like those at Hatcher’s Pass. I didn’t think id realize how small we are while we stood on top of a mountain, or even slide down the snow on the side of  a mountain. I didn’t think id see orcas, or bald eagles, or a bear 15 feet away. I never would have imagined id be swimming in the north pole and dunking my head in a flowing river. I didn’t really expect to find so many starfish while tide pooling or witness “native games”. There’s a lot that has happened here that I didn’t expect, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
            Looking back a the trip, I’m going to miss so much. One thing ill miss is our van rides. I got so much closer with everyone in my van. The people in there made the rides so much more enjoyable, from padiddle contest to being tickled to death. Car rides just wont be the same in Michigan.
            I’m going to miss almost everything in Alaska. The one thing ill probably is really disappointed about when I get back, is waking up and not seeing mountains. Something about the beautiful mountains just make you feel so greatful for life. I’m also going to really miss seeing and hanging out with new people. I made a lot of new friends. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to end my days without hug time.
            This trip was was better than I ever expected and summer with out Alaska or with out the people in Alaska.