The month of June started off in two fun ways for me. First, I celebrated my 23rd birthday, and next, I was able to travel to Alaska for the first time. I was able to do this thanks to my close friend from college Nevin. He and his wonderful family hosted me and another friend Betsy at their home for more than a week, and it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. Their hospitality and the beautiful landscapes all around me gave me a true appreciation for Alaska unlike almost any new place I have visited before. I will remember this trip forever, and I recommend Alaska wholeheartedly to anyone who might think of going there.
Upon first meeting Nevin during our freshman year of college, I was intrigued when he told me he was from Alaska. That seemed really surprising to me, considering just how far away St. John’s University and St. Ben’s College in Central Minnesota are from our 49th state. Throughout the past four years of our studies, I’ve seen how though we come from quite a distance apart our values are very similar and that has been what has made us such great friends. Plus, since I am the one who was closer to home, it was fun to share my favorite local spots with him and our other friends at school to build that sense of belonging. So when Nevin and his family invited me up after graduation, I was looking forward to the change in the script and Nevin being the local guide for me.
The first thing I noticed upon flying into Anchorage was that mountains are everywhere. There wasn’t a place in Alaska where you couldn’t turn and see peaks either somewhere in the distance or close enough where you felt like you could just quickly walk over to them. This is no matter whether you’re driving to the grocery store in town or out sightseeing. In Minnesota, you can look around and see clear blue sky, or maybe some hills in the distance, but nothing like these majestic peaks you sometimes have to look up and down at to fully appreciate.
Since it was summer, the night and day cycle was also something to consider. Being so close to the top of the Earth, in the summer days are very long with only short nights, while the opposite is true in the winter. This meant while I was there it was still light outside until about 1 a.m., and then the sun rose again very early in the morning. I thought this would make sleeping hard, but after all the exploring and activities Nevin and his family kept us occupied with, it was easy to rest once we were finished for the day.
I really appreciated that since I was staying with Nevin and family, I was able to go to many places and do things that wouldn’t be possible or you wouldn’t think of doing just as a tourist. We went up to their cabin several hours north of Anchorage and I got to have more of the rural Alaska experience. From there, we went to the historic copper mines at Kennecott, which only have one limited access road leading to them. We also saw Valdez, a major center of fishing and oil production in the southeast. And of course, we had family dinners and excursions at the spur of the moment that were much more fun than having everything planned in advance. It really felt like an authentic Alaska experience.
At the end of it all, it was bittersweet heading to the airport and flying back. While I was glad to be back in Minnesota, Alaska really started to feel like a place I was at home. Having the opportunity to visit Alaska, especially at the invitation of Nevin and family, was really special. After four years of college together, it was a fun way to celebrate graduation having some well deserved relaxation time. I will always remember this trip, and I can’t wait to go back.
Connor Kockler recently graduated from St. John’s University. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
