End of Orientation's First Day
Here I am in my car in the restaurant parking lot, waiting for the group to arrive. This is a local establishment for me, and I drove so that I can go straight home afterwards. How different from my PolarTREC colleagues, who flew in to a somewhat cool and snowy Fairbanks from around the country. Aside from ARCUS staff, I am the only “local” participant.
However, what has impressed me the most today, the first day of orientation, is the immediate spirit that sprung up in the meeting room of “we are all in this together.” I already feel a part of something much larger than myself, which is tremendously inspiring. Up until now I have been amazed and excited that I will be going to the Kevo research station in northern Finland, but my thoughts have been somewhat selfish - more about the excitement of “me” having this amazing opportunity. With this orientation today, I already have been afforded a view of the big picture, in fact the real picture, of why this program is important. It is such a gift we have been offered to go to these polar areas and participate in research projects. Most importantly, however, it is our job to share the knowledge, understanding, and excitement that our participation brings. I now feel even more honored and humbled to have been selected to participate!
There is so much to do before leaving for the field:
- Engage my students (I have yet to tell them about this adventure/opportunity!)
- Contact Kim Miller – lots of questions for her!
- Publicize the project
- … and of course practice, practice, practice!