In a few short hours I will begin the 25-hour journey home. I'm leaving the Slope and I'm sad. I'm nervous about what it will feel like to drive 65 miles per gallon and being overwhelmed by the plethora of shopping when I get home. The 90 degree weather will probably feel like more than 100 degrees since I've been hanging in the frigid tundra (although it has made it into the 50's on rare occasions.) I hope that I can someday return to the Slope and learn more about the science that happens here to share with the world.
The last two and a half months have been harder than I could have ever imagined: physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are no words to explain everything I've seen and done nor to describe every emotion I have felt. All I can say is that I am truly grateful to all the people who have given me these incredible opportunities and who have supported through them. Now, I have a responsibility...to share this experience with others and make it real for them. But first, I need to finish packing so I can travel home to see my family.