On November 11^th of this year, I hit the three month mark of my service as a JVC Northwest and Americorps volunteer in Anchorage, Alaska. Wow! I can't believe I'm ¼ of the way through my year and am so excited for the next nine months. I had decided to apply to JVC Northwest in December of my senior year. I wanted to go somewhere far away, but did not feel right about going international, so quickly set my sites on Alaska. I wanted to do something after graduation that would challenge me, allow me to meet tons of new people, get to know a new culture, and see the mountains every single day. This is the place. Alaska, 4000 miles from my hometown of St. Louis, is like a different country. My roommates and I are starting to fit in too. I never predicted that I'd look at the 20 degree weather forecast and think, "Perfect day for a run!"

My placement is at the American Red Cross of Alaska. I focus on preparedness outreach, so the fun parts of my job include giving presentations about what to do in earthquakes and fires to elementary children. I also get to work a ton with volunteers and work with individuals and families affected by disasters (usually home fires). My 5 housemates work all around the city ranging from a teen shelter, day shelter, domestic violence shelter, and the Aids Alliance. We all have heavy jobs some days, so it's nice to come home and unwind together.

There's something incredibly special about focusing one year of our lives (at least) on intentional living - being led by the four values of JVC Northwest - Simple Living, Social & Ecological Justice, Spirituality, and Community. It can be so easy to get distracted in life. Just in the last three months, I've had the opportunity to stop and think. Be self-aware. Connect with the community around me, in my house, in Anchorage, and in the greater world.

This year will definitely not always be easy or happy-go-lucky. Honestly, I don't think anything I would have done after leaving my lovely Rockhurst life that I was so comfortable in would be, but I can say with 100% confidence that I am so glad I'm here. This year has already given me so much experience, deeper awareness of myself, and life-long friends. Looking back on the reasons why I wanted to apply for JVC Northwest, I definitely think they're being fulfilled. Challenges - check. New people - check. New culture - check. Mountains - check.