Sea slugs beached on the west coast of the Florida peninsula. Salted jellyfish add a rubbery texture to a stir fry. A list of directions to get the video to play online. These were some of the images and experiences painted for me by a few of the 2017 PolarTREC participants during the short drive to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks this morning. The stories, experiences, assignments and wise words from my fellow teachers, PolarTREC staff and alumni weave together both practical know-how and boosts of encouragement as we embark on our PolarTREC journeys.
It starts with the Introductions. Initially hesitant, we shakily uttered our names, locations and expeditions on Day One. Or maybe that was just me. Nobody probably looks forward to the Introductions several times a day, but no one complains as we realize the benefits of practicing it. Now our biographies slide off our tongues one by one. By the end of this orientation, I'll find myself convincingly introducing myself, "Hi, I'm George Hademenos of Richardson High School..."
And in a few days, the farewells will have their turn. We'll stay connected and track the expeditions of our colleagues. We'll be following and cheering on the 2017 Cohort trailblazers: Adeena, Steve and Jennifer Baldacci and stay tuned for Lesley's expedition next year.
The profound experiences and vivid stories you, the PolarTREC participants, staff and alumni, have shared reflect your expansive desire to investigate this vast world and our interactions with it. I look forward to your impactful storytelling which will inspire the same insatiable curiosity in others.
Lee is pondering the benefits of hibernation
Rebecca momentarily forgets about her chickens.
An arctic ground squirrel is enjoying its brief time out of hibernation, photo credit: Alicia Gillean (PolarTREC 2013), Courtesy of ARCUS
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