“Your dad just fell off the couch laughing trying to picture this!”
This was the response I got from my mom after I missed a phone call from her and replied with a text that I couldn’t talk because I was cleaning fish. In reality, my family’s surprise was equal to mine. Never did I imagine that I, who have always been scared of blood and of killing things, would find myself in a pool of fish guts with my hands inside a dead salmon so soon after my arrival in Alaska. In fact, Nome has brought with it a number of things I never imagined I would be doing, and I couldn’t be more thankful for each and every one.
I never imagined kayaking on the ocean at one in the morning after an evening of storytelling with people who have years and years of experience in Nome.
I never imagined the thrill of searching all over for a song request and finding it on a vinyl buried far within the shelf.
I never imagined taking a trip to Gambell and sharing muktuk and watching home videos with an incredible family.
I never imagined being excited that an avocado cost $3.50.
I never imagined standing on the porch in the pouring rain watching a double rainbow while my friends danced.
I never imagined watching a tundra fire from a mile away while picking blueberries alongside the Kougarok road.
I never imagined seeing a slightly darker sky at 2:00 AM would make me so excited.
I never imagined to so quickly get to know the amazing callers who make my DJ shift such a fun part of my day.
I never imagined spending a morning shelling crab in exchange for free food.
I never imagined writing my name on a dollar bill and stapling it to the wall at a bar in the middle of nowhere while everyone danced and sang along to “Wagon Wheel.”
I never imagined living in a house with 9 people and loving them all.
Ultimately, I’m so glad that I never dreamed I’d be doing any of these things. Coming into this experience with no expectations has made me deeply appreciate all of the unique adventures I’ve had and all of the ways that I’ve already grown and changed since arriving here. But regardless of all the fun memories I’ve already made and the new skills I’m developing both in and out of work, the incredible people here in Western Alaska have made the biggest impact on me, and for that, I want to say thank you.
Thank you to my friends, my coworkers, and my community for your patience and kindness in welcoming me with open arms. Thank you for exceeding my imagination in every way possible.
