Journal Entry

I'm on my way

For the last 5 years I have tried to be part of a PolarTREC team. That persistence paid off at 4 pm on November 26, 2013 when I received a call from Alaska. When I looked at the caller ID I was terribly disappointed; too early to receive good news. So, I answered the phone with a heavy heart when to my delight I was asked if I would like to join Dr. Briner's team. Emotions took over and only then did I realize just how badly I wanted this experience. I initially became intrigued about PolarTREC when I heard about the program through the IPY STEMS Polar workshop in Amherst, MA. Similar to the pull of the ocean and the whales, PolarTREC stirred a desire to be part of something bigger. The reactions to my news have spanned the spectrum from shock and disbelief to congrats and 'you go girl!" I have made it a point to write down my thoughts along the way so that I don't forget any part of this experience. I want to be present throughout the entire journey. Traveling to Fairbanks created many journal entries. I have never flown west, nor I have I seen the Rockies or experienced jet lag. I was like a little child in the plane window as I watched the U.S. landscape fold and crumple as I traveled westward.

Crumpled earthThe continental land folded and crumpled from East coast to West coast

Twice I thought I was going to miss my connecting flights only to realize that time zones were in play. As I left Seattle in a blizzard I was a bit disappointed that my chances of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights were almost nil. I was not disappointed however, when about an hour into the flight the skies cleared and the lights danced outside my window. The display reminded me of a stampede of horses running in a dusty cosmic plain and as they charged toward my view the cosmic dust rolled and swirled under their hooves.

Comments

Tina Ciarametaro

Dear Alex,
thanks so much for the warm welcome. You are accurate; this is indeed a family and I will miss sorely when I leave.

Tina Ciarametaro

Hello Guest,
thank you for following along. I spent the evening in a natural hot spring OUTSIDE (the air temperature was -22 degrees F.) Bring some friends along to follow as well. They won't be disappointed.

Tina Ciarametaro

Hi Michelle,
thank you for the kind words of encouragement. I cannot begin to express to you how much I have enjoyed your support and leadership this week.

Carol Scott

Hey Tina, welcome to Fairbanks! What a great description of the northern lights: "...horses running in a dusty cosmic plain..." can I quote you on that?

Guest

Hello Tina, I enjoyed your narrative and can't wait to hear more.

Alex Eilers

Hi Tina!

Persistence does pay! Welcome to the PolarTREC family and enjoy orientation.

Alex Eilers
PolarTREC teacher 2012 and 2014

Michelle Brown

I'm so excited for you and your journey!! You will do a great job and I can't wait to follow your amazing journey!

Tina Ciarametaro

Dear Carol,thank you for the warm welcome. I have had an amazing experience. Quote away!