I am not the same person.

After wedging and stuffing my life into one small hiking pack, I left for seven weeks to Alaska, The Last Frontier, and it changed me.

Despite my knowledge of camping, I knew nothing about the state of Alaska.

Not one thing.

Even though I was raised to appreciate other landscapes my entire life,  I had never been outside of Bloomfield for longer than three weeks.

I’d traveled before and was a great tourist, but I wanted to know that I was able to survive without materialistic goods, so I left my Iphone and Mac computer behind. 

 Backpacking is different than how teens normally travel.

 Time and and time again I remember hiking through various paths on various mountains not knowing if I would be able to make it to the top; however, I knew every step would get me closer to my destination… and finally, I had conquered the mountain.

 Throughout my journey, I developed a mission. I would not only conquer the mountains of Alaska, but I would conquer myself.

I did just the thing.

As a Junior in high school, I believe that every student should have the chance to take on a mission like this.

I did not only learn about the great state of Alaska, but I learned about my strengths and weaknesses.

Boy lifts his arms embracing the Alaskan wilderness.