A Voyage Through the Arctic Post #9

As we approach the end of the semester, a significant milestone for all students, it's important to recognize the unique challenges each of you, whether a college undergraduate or graduate-domestic or international-has faced. Your experiences are deeply valued, and we acknowledge the hurdles you've overcome. Above all, we congratulate those who have shown resilience and determination throughout the fall semester.

In this blog, I want to underscore the pivotal role of educators in shaping our future generation. Their unwavering dedication, often going above and beyond, is the driving force behind the progress we see. Their impact is immeasurable, and I want to express my deep gratitude to those who work tirelessly to provide students with scholarship opportunities, thereby increasing their access to education.

The Alaska Fisheries Science Center Communication Program's Education and Outreach team tirelessly works to connect with communities through education and internships. Their deep passion for their work is evident in its profound positive impact on the communities they serve. Their purpose is to be a catalyst for change by being meaningfully engaged. Their job is not just important; it's inspiring and gives hope for a brighter future. For instance, I had the opportunity to attend the Barrow Arctic Research Center Science and Culture Fair in August, where Arctic researchers inspired local youth with the wonders of science, sparking their interest and curiosity. The learning was vice versa as they shared their culture.

Another way the Alaska Fisheries Science Center team builds capacity amongst different school-age levels is through an interactive webinar series, NOAA Live! Alaska . This series of webinars for Alaska students in grades 2-8 connects NOAA scientists and partners with students, teachers, and communities. The team kicked off the first webinar of the school year, Western Alaska Chum Salmon: Building Relationships and Bridging Knowledge Systems , presented by a diverse group of community members, scientists, and students. Please check out the webinar recordings that go back to 2020. Beyond all else, stay tuned for the next broadcast.

Opportunities go beyond our students. NOAA also offers educators the chance to join NOAA scientists aboard an ocean research vessel as a science team member and bring back their experiences to the classroom. I encourage educators to view the Teacher At Sea Program . It's a chance to inspire and be inspired while assisting NOAA and NOAA-partnered scientists with ocean-based research. Though I did not join as a Teacher At Sea, I have experienced what it is like to be aboard a research vessel. You can read about those experiences in previous blogs at Voyage Through the Arctic . A new TAS pilot program called Teacher in the Field opened this past summer for its alums. It is land-based and stationed at the oldest year-round biological field station in Southeast Alaska, Little Port Walter (110 miles south of Juneau). The inaugural cohort of teachers will share some thoughts about their experience in our Currents and Connections Education Blog . Their posts should be coming out in January 2025-stay tuned!

I want to thank the educators, parents, communities, and mentors for investing in the future. Your efforts, though not always the most straightforward job, make a significant difference. You are appreciated and valued. Let me end this with a quote by Henry Ford. "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." Let's all stay young at heart by continuing to learn and grow. Remember, the learning journey never ends, inspiring and motivating us all to keep learning and growing.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday break before you return for the upcoming semester. And an early happy new year.