By Oaklynn Carman, a sophomore majoring in Chemistry.
This past fall, I had the opportunity to participate in an exchange with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks through the National Student Exchange. This program allows you to have the experience of an international exchange with the conveniences of not leaving the US. I chose this over a typical study abroad program because it was easier for me to find the courses I needed to take within the US. That being said, Alaska was basically like living in a different country.
I got to experience multiple things that are unique to Alaska. This started the moment my plane landed at 10pm and it was still completely bright out. This was a lot more enjoyable than the end of the semester when it was dark all day. I also got to experience the joys of -30*F weather. This is not something I particularly enjoyed but it was a part of the experience. I was lucky enough to leave right before -40*F hit though. One of the most amazing things I witnessed was the Northern Lights. Every time I saw them, no matter if it was the third time that week, I was in awe of them. Watching them dance and shift while surrounded by the friends I made there is one of my top ten moments.
Left: 10pm plane arrival. Middle: 11am sunrise Right: Northern Lights behind my apartment.
I obviously was still in school but it looked a little bit different than it does in Kansas. I spent less time doing traditional homework and more time in other classes. I took rock climbing as a class. I participated in RockTober which is a challenge to climb a vertical mile in the month of October. This meant you had to climb up the wall 186 times which doesn’t sound too difficult but trust me, it was. I did complete it though. Another fun thing I got to participate in was research with sled dogs. We took blood draws from the sled dogs before and after they ran a race to explore the effects of blueberries. This was such an interesting experience that I am so grateful to be able to participate in.
Left: Puppies at Sled Dog Research
Right: Rock Climbing Success
No recap of my time in Alaska would be complete without mentioning the amazing people I met. From writing songs and constantly doing the cotton-eyed joe, to Sunday dinners and adopting a plastic frog. These strangers, now closest friends, made my experience what it was and for that I am forever thankful.
Left: Christmas celebration
Right: Ivory Jacks Line Dancing
Overall, this semester was filled with lessons in the form of chemistry lectures and life rules. This once in a lifetime experience is something I would recommend to anyone. If you get the opportunity, take the chance.
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