Fencing

During the final semester of school there are always times of stress and feeling of being overloaded with meaningless assignments. While this time of year can be depressing, there is a time within the final quarter where students within the School Within A School (SWS) program, at East High School, get the chance to add a little fun into the monotonous schedule that they have been attentive to all year long. This is the week of exit exams, commonly known as the HSGQE testing. For all the juniors and seniors who have passed this set of testing there are three consecutive half-days where students can sleep in until 9 or 10 in the morning, while for underclassmen and those upperclassmen who have failed to pass the test, they get to enjoy three morning of testing. Whether taking the exit exams or sleeping in, the individuals of SWS get to participate in week-long intensive classes that include: fencing, juggling, cake decorating, ghost hunting, and a variety of other activities. During this years intensives week I was able to take a fencing class. Throughout the class I learned the fundamentals of fencing and by the end of the week our class was able to have a competition amongst ourselves. The two pictures in this blog show a traditional setup for a match, which includes the equipment for the individuals and the scoring device. While weapons are not normally allowed in school, fencing was a permissible activity for those who were lucky enough to sign up for the class. Speed, agility, and accuracy are all part of the game, but above all the ability to use the fundamentals and be patient is something that is vital to taking down your opponent with ease. This class proved to be not only a fun time away from the typical schedule I have throughout the school year, but it also provided an opportunity for me to learn a new skill and venture into the unknown!

Breakup

Snow, Rain, Sun, and Darkness....it's all a part of the breakup season. While many states call it spring, here in Alaska we don't have the typical warmer weather with blossoming trees and flower. In Alaska we have melting snow, falling snow, rain, and the occasional sunny and warm days. Although there is never a time when the weather can be predicted to the "T", there is always a possibility that the weatherman is correct, so be prepared for anything ranging from warmth and sunshine to freezing temperatures and snow. Above are three pictures that represent one of those delightful days in mid-may. Waking up in the morning I was surprised to see giant snowflakes fall outside my window, by mid-afternoon there was sun beaming through my classroom window, and by the time I was ready to go to bed the sun was finally extinguished for the night. This time of year is one that brings joy to many because of the hopes for sun and warm weather, but for others it is a time of displeasure from the constant change in weather from sun to snow to rain to snow exc. Even though breakup is a time of uncertainty, there is life that starts to flutter in from the south, like geese and ducks. There is also the smell of soggy feces is rampant throughout the city from the smelly treats that were left behind by irresponsible dog owners and geese throughout the past months. All the unpredictable weather and happenings of breakup bring a sense of spontaneity into the lives of many. This time is one that will soon be over and what will the next season be...? CONSTRUCTION SEASON!

Alaskan Sledding

Being born and raised in Alaska there are a number of things that I have been able to experience that many "typical" Americans never have the opportunity to live through. Snow is one thing that some states never seem to see, but this winter we have seen that the unexpected can happen and snow can be seen throughout all the 50 states. While snow is something that may have fallen in a number of places where it isn't normally seen, the chance to go snowmachining is something that many people could not do on the snow that fell. The term snowmachining is one that makes my smile, because when talking to people from the continental US there are often confused looks on people when using such a term as snowmachining. Some people may shrug it off and not inquire about it, while others reply with a confused remark and awkward facial expression. Living in Alaska we often use the term snowmachining, but others know the sport as snowmobiling. While this may be true, still other Alaskans call this sort of recreation sledding. No matter what your terminology may be, the activity of going out in the outdoors and shredding some powder is something that I wish everyone could experience. The photo above is of a newer model machine and to me it looks like some sort of bug. While the front end may look a little weird, in all reality these machines can do some major damage if not handled with care. Whether it be snowmobiling, snowmachining, or sledding, all these words really boil down to the same thing....fun!

Symbols of Our Nation's Capital

When preparing to go to our Nation's Capital last month I was excited to see the big sites and have a fun visit. Although I knew I was in for a good time, I didn't expect that I would be going to a warm and beautiful place. Coming from Alaska I didn't expect extremely cold weather, but I definitely didn't expect temperatures reaching up into the lower 60's. Upon my arrival to DC, at about 10 pm, the temperature was a balmy 47 degrees. Since I was coming from Alaska where it was -10 degrees, I felt like I had been dropped off in the tropics rather than Washington DC. While the first evening in DC was nice, the next day I was in for treat because the temperatures reached 61 degrees. In the photos you see above I wanted to depict a few of the common tourist traps for people from out of town. Me, being a first timer to DC, wanted to see all of the big sites and have a grand old time. Seeing the house of the president, and a variety of other national monuments, ended up being a very pleasing day for me and my companions.

A Different Perspective on DC

Since this blog is a photo blog I wanted to capture Washington DC in a more abnormal view than the typical depictions that one sees online. Above are two photos taken on the Mall in DC. Because you the reader may have never been to DC I should explain that the Mall is not the normal sort of shopping center you are thinking of, rather it is a large, elongated, rectangular set of pathways that contain a variety of monuments and memorials that encompass American history. Of the two images displayed, the first is of the Washington Monument. To be honest this picture was sort of a double take because I had already moved on to the next stop on my list when I realized that the Monument was being framed by a tree. Luckily I had my camera and I snapped a shot of the Monument being propped up by this expansive tree. The next photo is one that is one of the World War II memorial. While this memorial isn't one that brings joy to one's heart, this image can be used to show the light that can be found in times of darkness. By looking up through one of the sections of the memorial I noticed that the sun and clouds could be seen through three sections of the building, and the light showed a shadow on the brick wall. This picture reminds me of the common saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel" and it shows that there can be joy in a time of desperation. While both these images show common tourist attractions, they also show a new composition of what is the normal view of these places.

Spirit Fingers

As a child I can remember many times where I was able to just forget about the world around me and have fun. This picture captures that feeling of fun for me because these two individuals are high school students who are painting their hands during school. The purpose of the finger painting was to promote the acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities. In the photo all the different colors of the rainbow are present and the colors seem to represent the diversity of mankind. Aside from the childlike feeling that painting gives, the power of "changing the world" by harnessing diversity is something that can be portrayed in this picture. While there are many different colors represented, they all come together to make the hands stick out. The shadows in the background also have meaning to me because they are of one color, showing the blending of all the different colors that are represented. While the painted hands and shadows don't directly relate to the diversity of mankind, this picture shows the uniqueness that each color possesses as well as displaying the similar meld that can be made when they all come together. In supporting a cause such as the Special Olympics, the idea of painting and having fun is a great way to show the way a diverse group can come together and have a good time!

Spread the Word to End the Word

Over the last four years I have been actively working with the Special Olympics organization. My first interactions with this nonprofit were through the school program Partners Club, which is a club where students with and without intellectual disabilities can come together for sports training and competition. Through my years in high school I started as the vice president of this club and I have been the president for the three years since. Through all the different sporting events and other activities we have done through the club I have been inspired to become an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. As an advocate for these individuals and the Special Olympics movement, I have been able to travel throughout the US as a part of a National Youth Activation Committee. One of the things that I have been able to promote is a campaign to "End the R-Word." This R-Word that I speak of is the word "retard" or "retarded." While many people use these words as the butt to a joke, they may not realize the effects that their choice of words has on people with intellectual disabilities. The reality is that these individuals do not choose to be born "different" than everyone else, so why would anyone think of discriminating against people who have been born with such a birth defect? For this reason of people using such hateful language, I have taken the initiative to "Spread the Word to End the Word," and promote the acceptance of all different peoples. The pictures above are of a pledge banner that was made at my school to show the pledges that people made to stop using this word and "change the conversation." I urge each and every person that may read this to think before you speak and join me in changing the R-Word to RESPECT!

Morning Majesty

In the morning I am not normally a person who you would like to be around. This is not to say that I am a boring person or I am not someone who can hold a conversation, but in the morning I resemble characteristics of an ogre more than of a human being. Although you may think of the movie Shrek when I say ogre, I mean more of the nasty and scary types of ogers, not you friendly Shrek type. Needless to say, the beautiful backdrop of the Anchorage Bowl is one that can take your breath away. The two photos above are ones that are taken from the parking lot at my high school. While the morning is typically a bad time for me, when the sky is blue and the mountains are outlined by the rising sun, it is hard for me to be the grump that I normally am at this time. Although I have lived in the state of Alaska all my life, I still find the beauty of the mountains and the cool morning breeze to be things that bring me comfort. To start off the day with a majestic setting like the one above is something I wish everyone could experience from day to day. While waking to this scenery is a treat, I still manage to be an ornery young man in the morning. This imagery shows me that pictures mean more than words, so why ruin the peacefulness of the mountains in the morning, when you could be quiet and just sit back, drink coffee, read the paper, and relax?

Skiers Gone Spunky

The sport of cross country skiing is often thought to be a sport of precision and grace. Unlike the popular opinion, there are many occasions when skiers are not so...proper. From the images above you can see how despite the image of beauty on skies, the reality is that they are truly competitors on and off the course. Whether it be skiing 50 kilometers or eating a banana cream pie as fast as possible, there are no limits to the enthusiasm that skiers poses. The feeling of winning a race is like none other that an athlete can experience, but winning a pie eating contest is yet another victory that can bring a smile to the face!

Skiing and Snowboarding with Partners Club

Growing up in Alaska there are many beautiful sites to see and things to do throughout the year. One of these exciting winter activities is downhill skiing and snowboarding. I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to coach these two sports through the Partners Club, which is a club where students with and without intellectual disabilities can come together for sports training and competition. Throughout the winter months I help individuals from the club learn how or further their skills in both skiing and snowboarding. This opportunity of coaching these athletes not only helps me to become a better leader, but it also gives me the opportunity to learn new things. One of the students in the club with who has an intellectual disability was able to teach me, a longtime skier, how to snowboard. Being able to step back and be taught rather then be the teacher helped me to look at this event as a way to not only help others, but learn something myself. As a hole this experience is one of service learning, where I not only get to give to others, but I acquire a new skill at the same time. These two photos help to capture the friendships between both the skiers and the snowboarders within our club.