Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 12/19/2013 - 18:14
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Soil Ecology in Antarctic Dry Valleys

Mr. Kendhammer, I have a question for you. Can you tell me what you learned on this trip? What did you learn in total from your experience? Maddi Maxa Twin Falls High-School

Thu, 01/02/2014 - 09:21

Justin Kendhammer

Hi Maddi,Thanks for the question.One of the things that I gained from this trip is perspective. I have done some traveling and have lived in Asia and Europe as a soldier and teacher but none of my travels have been even close to this trip. I think your question is very good and difficult to answer because it is about the experience.  Experience is difficult to put into words for many reasons. Ten different people could have done the same trip and had the same events occur and they would have reported different experiences. Flying in a helicopter may be exciting for one person and terrifying for another. Hiking twenty miles could be a high point of a trip or an unwelcome test of physical and mental limits.One thing I can say is that, like education our experiences shape us in many ways, some we are instantly aware of and some will be there just below the surface like innate knowledge. Perspective and experience come together to allow us to remain calm in situations that bring panic to others around us. They allow us to maneuver past and through obstacles that might otherwise be too great. My last comparison is with a good relationship be it friend or otherwise. I got to know Antarctica in ways that would not be possible from a book, a movie, or internet research. I got to know the good and the bad and some of the between. Antarctica also allowed me to grow as a person. To consider where I am in life and how that contrasts with where I would like to be. My time on the ice gave me reason to pause about my role and that of others in life. I took time take stock of my skills, strengths, and weaknesses. In an effort to actually answer your question of what I learned. I learned (relearned) that throughout our lives we come into contact with many, many, people. It may feel at times that these people are not very important to us, many are not influential in our lives. But when it really matters most of these nameless faces that we pass on the street would help you if you needed it. I suppose one thing I learned is to give people the benefit of the doubt. Avoid snap judgments and be open to meeting new people. Experiences happen in many places you might not expect them, be ready and be present.JK