Kara Frisina
Konneker-Cutler Scholar
Outward Bound, Sea Kayaking, Alaska

“I chose the Alaska trip because I wanted to experience immensity and space in comparison to my small town in New York. I got exactly what I wanted. The scenery cannot be truly captured with film because its size is magnificent, but also it is invigorating; a biting breath of salty air…

My Outward Bound trip was to consist of expedition kayking from our beach back to the city of Whittier. Unfortunately, Alaska's constantly changing weather and microclimates are not the best for outdoor plans...”

“Looking back, the stormy, rough weather had its advantages. I was able to learn much more than kayaking skills. Complications due to weather only made my trip more interesting and unpredictable. I also appreciated the times when the rain was so unbearable that we would retreat to our tents for a couple of hours. It gave me time to reflect and really think about the opportunity I was given and what I had gained from it.

Seeing the vast, raw wilderness of Alaska was awe inspiring with both beauty and fear. The two don’t seem that different when staring at the misty mountains and crashing sea. During those eight days I feel I grasped a connection with nature that all humanity share with the earth and with each other. The wilderness we experienced was so powerful and indifferent to any hardships it caused to our small group. While I felt very tiny against the snow capped mountains and towering glaciers, I felt honored to be a unique, individual contribution to the grand scheme. Humbleness and Empowerment, Beauty and Fear, everything is connected and balanced.“

See more stories and photos by going:
Back to the front page or Back to Enrichment Programs

---