I have been in Fairbanks for only a short time - two full days - but I feel like I have seen and learned a lot already. I know what -20˚C feels like on my face. I've heard the snow squeaking under my the enormous arctic boots I have borrowed. I've seen the sun rise and set on the same side of the building due to the season and latitude.

    I've also spent the last two days mostly seated, taking notes and listening to talks on several topics, given by many different presenters. It has been very informative, but also very tiring. As a teacher, I often forget how it feels to be the student and to sit on the other side of the table. Being a student is both exhilarating and exhausting. I'm hearing so many wonderful things all the time, but it is hard to sit all day and to focus for so long, no matter how interested you are.

    Orientation training
    The 2017-2018 PolarTREC teachers at their first day of orientation training.

    I listened to inspiring talks on the Arctic by Dr. Katrin Iken and on the Antarctic by Dr. Kristin O'Brien, scientists from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. I have also met the other nine teachers who were selected to work with PolarTREC this year, and they are an amazing group, each of them from different schools and backgrounds, but all very passionate to learn more and to be better science teachers for their students.

    The PolarTREC team has also been great to work with. They are explaining my program responsibilities, giving me great support already, and teaching me the technological skills I'll need to share my experience working in the Arctic. Being a PolarTREC teacher is going to be hard work and a lot to live up to, but I feel that I will have the support of an amazing team of people dedicated to making my time in the field a success so that I can share my experiences and what I learn easily.

    Break out group
    PolarTREC teachers Adeena Teres, Steve Kirsche, Rebecca Harris and Jennifer Baldacci learning how to add photos to their journals.

    Overall, I am quite happy to be a student again this week. Except for the homework. But without the homework, it would be hard to reinforce the tech skills I am learning. And so I'll do the homework, happily.

    Comments

    Armando Caussade

    Good to have you here! You are doing an amazing job, and true, there is a lot of homework to do, but that is to get you started early with establishing a routine of regular blogging. Take care and I wish you all the best!

    Jennifer Baldacci

    Thanks Armando! It's great to have you here as well, imparting all your knowledge from your experience in the program.

    Lisa Seff

    Hi Jennifer! No worries it does all come together! Nice journal and photos. Looking forward the following your journey with your new furry friends!(:
    Lisa

    Lenore Teevan

    I can't wait to read about your interactions with the arctic ground squirrels. Take lots of photos!Best,
    Lee

    Adeena Teres

    You're doing such a good job. I'm impressed how well you did with all the new tech thrown at us last week. You Rock!

    Judy Fahnestock

    Hang in there Jennifer. Today we have a field trip to see the squirrels and part of your research team!

    Cara Pekarcik

    Hi Jennifer! As a 2016 orientation survivor - I completely understand how much information you have heard/absorbed over the past few days. They really know how to pack that schedule! Even if you forget some of the details (I forgot a lot after orientation), the PolarTREC folks and all of the orientation materials will help you every step of the way. I am looking forward to hearing about the rest of orientation (the squirrels are so amazing) and your research expedition!! Welcome to the PolarTREC family!

    Jennifer Baldacci

    Hi Cara. I love the idea that we'll soon be together in surviving training! It is very intense but it's such a wonderful group. Excellent to have so much fun and learn so much at the same time. I'm very excited about the expedition, and I get to meet some squirrels today! An excellent way to end the day. Thanks for being excited about the trip, and let me know if there's anything you want to learn more about as I go!