NC State University

by junior Kylee Phyllips

“Why in the world do you want to go somewhere cold for spring break?” I cannot count the number of times I received this similar question when I was asked if I was going to places like Florida for spring break and happily replied, “No, I’m going to Alaska!” After hearing stories from friends who had remarkable ASB trips, I went into my Alaska adventure with an extremely open attitude and the willingness to try anything and give my all. Even though I felt like I gave my all with service, I do believe that I received so much more out of the experience that I ever could have given.

Before being accepted on this trip, I never had even heard of the Tlingit culture. Now I cannot stop sharing stories about it. The little island of Hoonah, Alaska which we visited was full of big cultural statements. The hardest part about this trip to Alaska was remembering that I really was still in the U.S.A. I learned so many things from this experience, from sustainability, to culture, to education, to wildlife, and lots more in-between, I definitely came out of this trip with a new train of thought. Considering that this particular trip was the first of its kind, our team dove into all different facets of service-learning to really see what Alaska had to offer. Two huge categories for service work fall into mind for this area – environmental issues and education, and I will reflect upon my experience with both of these. Continue Reading »