Summer Abroad - by Alessa

This summer I will be studying abroad in Uganda in Africa before I make the trek back down to Mobile as a has-been!

Traveling is extremely important to me; I want to see the entire world.

Here are the top five places I want to visit!

Spain: I plan to study abroad here as well before I am in college. I have taken Spanish since I was in first grade and love the language and culture. I’d specifically love to see Granada.

Australia: Please get me to the Great Barrier Reef! Or anywhere in Australia for that matter.

Poland: My ancestors came from Poland, so I would love to see the country.

Italy: Pizza and pasta and bread sticks! Enough said.

Thailand: Wouldn’t that just be awesome?

Where do you want to go?

Alessa Strelecki is a college freshman at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa majoring in Secondary Education and Mathematics. Originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, Alessa was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Iowa for 2011. Learn more about Alessa here!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - by Allii

Hello!

In case some of you did not know, I am currently studying abroad in beautiful Australia where I will be for a month! I have limited time on the internet, but I wanted to share with all of you while I had the time. I decided that my “lesson” for this month would be take advantage of opportunities given to you.

Coming to Elmira College this past year, I was surprised with our Term III option where I get to travel abroad to lovely places like Australia. I am currently with 18 other students, including 3 of my closest friends. I have already seen Sydney and four other cities are on their way. The trip has been absolutely fascinating. I have learned so many things about the country and its relationship with America. I am eager to learn more.

When you get to high school and college, take advantage of opportunities like this one. Travel when you can. Because when you’re all grown up and on your own with a job, you may not be able to travel as much as you want to.

I have always agreed with Peter Pan and never wanted to grow up, for exactly this reason. There is so much to do when you have time so use it. Be a kid for as long as you can because before you know it, you’re 18 and in college. And before you know it again, you’re graduating and starting a real job!

So remember, be a kid and have fun!
 

Allii Fontaine is a college freshman at Elmira College in Elmira, New York majoring in Nursing with a Pediatric tract. Originally from Burrillville, Rhode Island, Allii was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Rhode Island for 2011. Learn more about Allii here! 

Summer in Alaska - by Sydney

Ladies, it’s that time of year. The air is spring fresh, the days are getting longer, the sun is shining and you know summer is just a few weeks away. I’ve been living in New York this year, and have really fallen in love with the whole concept of seasons. There is a joke in Alaska that there are only two seasons, Winter and Construction, because fall and spring both last about two days. But let me tell you something, I am obsessed with Alaskan Summers. Hands down the coolest place to be May- August, I promise.

So I’ve comprised a list of the best things to do in Alaska in the Summer. 


1. Water Skiing
Being pulled by a boat around a glass-flat lake, under the midnight sun is not only super fun, but great exercise! If you can’t ski, you can go tubing which is just as fun!

2. The Fairbanks Midnight Sun Run
Not your average 5k race! Everyone from your hardcore runner, to little kids in costumes show up every year to run at night all through Fairbanks, the second largest city in Alaska. You can sit and watch, or participate, some people even do both, stopping to chat then walking, it’s fun for everyone.

3.  Angel Rocks Hike/Chena Hot Springs Recovery
This is the best hike to take in interior Alaska, it takes about 2 hours to get up to the top of these amazing rocks, with scenic 360 views of beautiful untainted wilderness. Most people camp up on the top and then finish the 8 mile hike down the next morning. When your body is tired at the end, soak it in the Hot Springs located at the end of the trail. It’s glorious!

4. Camping and Fishing
You really can’t go wrong when you camp in Alaska, you can drive about ten minutes from my house and stay along a river, or you can drive to the mountains and take 4-wheelers into the wilderness. There are hikes, canoes and other activities that the state has for visitors, the state is your playground!

5. Outdoor Concerts
Since the sun is up all night during solstice, a fun way to spend it is at an outdoor concert. The state fair hosts some very popular artists and local bands play all the time. It’s cheap and very Alaskan to dance the night away!

What are some of your summer favorites? Leave some comments of things I should try in your state! I can't wait for summer! 

xoxo,


Sydney

Sydney McIntosh is a college freshman at Nyack College in Nyack, New York. Originally from North Pole, Alaska, Sydney was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Alaska for 2011. Learn more about Sydney here!

10 Places I Want to See Before I Die - by Jacky

 

Jacky Arness is a college freshman at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota majoring in Political Science/International Relations with a minor in Theatre Arts. Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Jacky was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Dakota for 2011. Learn more about Jacky here!