Academically, I gained a better understanding of the practices implemented in the North of Norway, specifically as they related to resource management and governance. One thing from the regional economic development class really sticks out, and I think back on it a lot: an idea that it can make more financial sense for businesses in the same geographic region to cooperate rather than compete with each other. For example; rather than trying to attract the customer to your place of business, attract them to your region so everyone can benefit. We were presented with case studies that showed businesses who cooperated with each other to attract tourists and outside business to the region saw higher income from tourism and commerce than from those in communities where they were more competitive with each other. I have since applied this lesson directly to my own business here in Alaska and have already seen real benefits of the cooperation over competition model.

The graduate level geology course was research based and had a lot of fieldwork associated with it. In addition to learning about the regional geology, I wanted to experience doing fieldwork in very remote, places. I took this course during my last year as an undergraduate student, and it was a large reason why I decided to study geology in graduate school the following year. Being that far north also solidified my love for the arctic and the people who call it home.

I am currently writing my dissertation for my PhD where I study natural hazards in the fjords of Alaska. I hope to finish this summer. My wife and I enjoy traveling and more often than not find ourselves exploring other arctic countries or parts of Alaska.

Be prepared to fall in love with the Arctic! There is truly no place like it on Earth.

In similar regards, Europe and Scandinavia had always been a particular interest of mine. With a burgeoning education in Geography, these places only became exponentially more interesting. Following my first year of studies at 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, I met so many wonderful international students from abroad, and I came to realize what an immeasurable experience it would be to also have the opportunity to cultivate my own education in the far reaches of the globe. I began to question where it would be most suitable to forego this initiative, and without question, the remarkable geographic qualities of Norway, both naturally and culturally, became my primary objective.

The unique geography of Tromsø, in particular, caught my attention. For those who know the town, they will easily understand - after all, it is a European city, on an island, in the middle of a fjord, surrounded by mountains, under the northern lights! Such a destination was all the more alluring as a photographer, and in the end, only Svalbard was a close second. But thankfully, even Svalbard was just a short hop away.

Among the primary objectives of my studies abroad, I hoped to see, learn, understand and capture the unique geographical qualities of the northernmost regions of Europe - both naturally and culturally. Such an experience would surely be invaluable to a young man hoping to better understand the values of the world, through the cultivation of mind and character. Additionally, it was my hope to continue building my professional network in Northern Europe. In the end, I don't know if it could have been possible to make a better choice.

I was very fortunate to fulfill the objective of my studies abroad, which continue in to this day. The knowledge, education, experiences and development that I have had the privilege to immerse myself in have given so much, for which I am compelled return a lifetime of gratitude.

Of course, there were plenty of unexpected accomplishments along the way. For one, I was most thrilled to discover that Tromsø has a wonderful ice hockey community. From the day that I arrived, I was welcomed, and had the honor of participating in one of the most defining communities of my youth. While studying, I had the opportunity to play in an international hockey league, even taking me to Northern Russia.

And of course, I never could have expected to meet the wonderful friends that I did, who did so much to make the experience the deeply cherishable one that it was.

The impacts of my studies abroad in spring of 2013 have been most profound in directing the course of my personal academic and professional journey. Following my semester abroad, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to return the following autumn to debut with Tromsø Hockey in the Norwegian Second Division.

During this time, I was able to develop my leadership skills through volunteering and working part time as an ice hockey coach. By further progressing my network within Norway, I was later able to work with the Norwegian Red Cross, the Tromsø Kommune, restaurants and cafés, and, most excitingly, as a northern lights tour guide for Arctic Explorers. These years in Norwa