Welcome to Love Letters to Home, where RAHI alumni share what they love about their community.

In this letter, Maia Elkins shares about the people who make her community home. Hear from Maia below.

“Dear Family and friends in Delta Junction,

I wanted to start off by saying that I have been away from home for five weeks, and I’m so ready to be back. I miss everyone.

I miss being able to go four wheeler riding with my friends and being able to hang out with them. I miss my dad’s cooking and the yummy food he makes. I miss my mom and the energy she gives off to have fun. I miss my sister Kiana for the bundle of joy she is and her laugh. I miss my brother Kai for their protection he gives me as his little sister and being able to go on adventures with him. I miss my grandma because the love and support she gives me. I miss my dog, Romeo, for the joy he gives me when I’m sad. I miss my boyfriend Aiden and being able to go on trips, fishing, riding and hanging out with them.

I miss my town and the beautiful scenery it has and the joy gives me in my heart. I miss working at the drive-in and having fun with my coworkers and being able to make free milkshakes. I miss driving my car and having freedom to go wherever I want to go.

But the thing I really missed the most in general is being home. Thank you for the support, encouragement and love you’ve given me.

Signed,

Maia Elkins

From rural RAHI at UAF.”

Thank you to the students who shared their letters, and congratulations to RAHI class of 2022.

Photo at the top: Maia Elkins of Delta Junction. Photo courtesy of Maia Elkins, used with permission (2022).