Final Thoughts--Allison

Reflections can sometimes be difficult things to write. The word "reflect" implies that there is a mirror somewhere into which you can look; it implies you are given a clear image. But I think that this reflection is much more like the reflection you find in a vernal pool. It's a mucky trek down to its edge and even when you look into the water the image is still blurry and see-through. And if you touch the water little ripples of movement scatter to the far ends. And if you jump into the water a big splash crashes over the lip of the muddy bowl, dampening the dry dirt around your old footprints.

There are so many things we've learned, so many nuances we've unconsciously absorbed, so many inside jokes and so many memories. But the important part is what we're going to do with them. This hasn't been a nice little trip to the arctic just for kicks. We had chosen months ago to be a part of this and do something more. Whether you call it adventure, field study, or expedition doesn't matter because truth is it a part of a whole experience that extends beyond our little group. We are representatives of our generation in a global issue; we have entered a realm far beyond the walls of a high school and for better or worse we won't be able to blindly rest beyond those walls as the same people.

But that's just one ripple of many in the little splash we made.

-Allison