Summer Reflections...

*Reflections Lake- about 32 miles Northeast of Anchorage.

     My journey has started. I left Ohio the day before yesterday and traveled to Palm Springs, California to visit my Great Uncle. After a short visit here I will travel to Alaska. I have a lot of flying to do in the next week. Since my summer is about over and school will be starting soon, I wanted to reflect on all the fun I've had these last few months.

     I had so much fun and excitement this summer! I kicked it off by graduating from college. I graduated from Ohio University in Chillicothe. This was a very special achievement for me. I have worked very hard the last five years and it finally paid off. I now have my Bachelor of Science in Education and a Minor in Psychology.

     I went kayaking with my brother and his girlfriend. Spent a week at Norris Lake in Tennessee with my family. We went boating, tubing, cliff jumping, kayaking, and more! We went to a cavern and got to see an underground waterfall. We also experienced total darkness, which is very eerie. My family and I spent time hiking and site seeing in the Great Smokey Mountains and we went to see a working grist mill. I had an amazing time in Tennessee.

     After I got back from Tennessee, I went to The Wilds in Zanesville, Ohio with my aunt and cousins. We went ziplining and got to see all different kinds of animals. My favorite was the Cheetahs! The Przewalski's Wild Horses and Giraffes were also really cool.

     I also spent time horseback riding this summer. This is one of my favorite past times. I love riding through the woods on horseback and enjoying all the nature around me. The last big thing I did was go to Kings Island with my brothers, sister-in-law, niece, and some friends. We had a blast riding roller coasters and playing in the water park!

     These are the big highlights of my summer, but what I enjoyed most of all was spending time with my close family and friends. Family is the most important thing in the world and I spent my summer soaking up as much time as I could with mine. Not just the big trips or events, but every small moment. From sitting and trying to explain why I'm moving away to my seven year old niece, to tagging along with my parents, I enjoyed all of it. Being away from my family and friends is going to be one of the hardest things about moving to Alaska. But, I spent as much time with them as I could and I know they all support me. Their love and support makes all the difference.
     Even though I will be away from my family and friends, I am looking forward to the new relationships I will create with the students, other teachers, and families in Eek. I am so excited to get to Alaska and meet everyone. Like I've said....a new adventure awaits!