November 2011
UNC Charlotte Publication
Vol 2 Edition 1
What Will Alaska Do For You?
beautiful place in the world, there was nothing to do but sit down and talk. The disconnect that most people experience in new friendships was shattered as we quickly became family.
By Kevin Rodengen
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obody thought it would be easy. Everyone was right. The greatest trip of my life was also one of the most challenging experiences I have ever had. As a part of the Levine Scholarship Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, our first summer experience was an unforgettable one. Twenty-five days of backpacking through the mountains of Alaska is just as adventurous as it sounds.
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ime was never wasted. We learned many wilderness survival skills, even the most basic ones such as knot tying and “Leave No Trace” principles. We stuffed our packs with our huge amounts of gear so many times, that now I could probably stuff an elephant into a book bag. Most importantly, however, we were taught how to be leaders. Each of us was assigned a day in which to lead our group to the next destination. For that day our duties included route planning, trek safety and health, camp location, and adhering to environmental protection standards.
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y experience with my fellow scholars was beneficial for many reasons, some likely similar to most of the group, others specific to me. With food, shelter, water, and clothing all in my backpack, life was as simple as it ever will be. This made life back home seem a little ridiculous actually. I never realized how well I was living until I fit everything I needed into one bag and carried it around for a month. Chocolate became a luxury. If you had tried to give me $100 in Alaska for my Kit Kat bar, I would have laughed at you and walked away.
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he most enjoyable part of Alaska was by far getting to know the other scholars. Back home I often complain about not having enough time. In Alaska, all we had was time. Secluded in arguably the most
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hen we returned to base after the completion of our course, I caught a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror. I had not seen myself in twenty-five days. I looked pretty much the same, other than the dire need of a shower, but I was an entirely new person.
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fter climbing a mountain, writing a five page English essay doesn’t seem so hard. After traveling hundreds of miles with 50 lbs. on my back, waking up and walking to class is a cup of tea. Alaska gave me a new perspective on life and taught me how simple and complex life can be. With my new family, the Levine Scholars, I am ready to take on UNC Charlotte…and the rest of the world.