With the fall semester underway, the series ‘Love Letters to Home’ featuring short messages from rural college students have been a sweet affirmation of family and community strengths on the airwaves.

In one letter, John Bernardo of Ketchikan expresses his gratitude for the family members and mentors that helped him get where he is, particularly his counselor, Mr. McClory, who retired this year.

In another, Christian Finau of Glennallen shares memorable moments with family and friends, from playing pirates to enjoying her mother’s home cooked meals: All the things that make Glennallen home.

From the village of Eek, Brentina White thanks her family for encouraging her; her friends for making her day brighter and her community for coming together to follow pandemic guidelines and keep Elders safe.

The series is produced in collaboration with the Rural Alaska Honors Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where students learned how to record radio spots as part of a class on information gathering and study skills.

You can listen to the letters in their entirety here.

Image at top: John Bernardo shows off his passion for basketball in his hometown of Ketchikan.