I am always up for a good adventure. I am amazed when I see people going to places where people really don't belong. Climbing high mountains, exploring deep caves, diving under ocean water, and surviving in extreme climates. Well, I will have met 10 other teachers who will be joining me for this year's PolarTREC adventures, and can I say, what a privilege it is to be counted among these top educators from around the country.
I was told about PolarTREC from Dr. Byron Adams, from Brigham Young University. We had met a couple of years earlier and had gotten to be friends. His research amazed me, especially the fact that he was doing this incredible research on Antarctic ecosystems, under such extreme conditions. The more I learned about Antarctica, the more hooked I became to want to get there and become a part of this cutting edge, environmental research.
Dr. Dawn Sumner presenting to us through Zoom about Antarctica.
After reviewing my application over and over, I sent it in to be reviewed. It was weeks before any word came back. I found an email in my box from PolarTREC. I opened it up and the first word that caught my eye was "congratulations". It was my letter stating that both PolarTREC and Dr. Adams had selected me to join their team to the Dry Valleys of Antarctica for the next season. I am still in amazement of the adventures that await me. I am also a bit overwhelmed at the requirements that I still have to get done before the expedition. What about my teaching job? I need to find a good substitute for my students for 6 weeks. What about my other part time job? What about the physical qualifications? What about my family that I would leave behind? I knew there would be much to do prior to, and after, the actual time on the ice. So many questions I needed to answer. So far, all pieces have fallen into place nicely.
So, back to where I am now. I am in Fairbanks, Alaska at a weeklong orientation meeting with all the other PolarTREC teachers. Each one of these teachers has such unique stories to tell and lessons I need to learn from. I feel so blessed to be considered one of them.
I had one of the most beautiful flights yesterday over so many beautiful miles of white, snow-covered, rugged, Alaskan wilderness. Flying right next to Mt. Denali yesterday made the whole trip worthwhile. I am so glad to have a window seat and have clear skies so I could enjoy the views from 30,000 feet.
I feel so privileged to now be able to say I am a member of the PolarTREC "family". These will be life-long relationships and connections I am making with some of the nation's best educators.
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