31 October 2013 Here We Go Again

As the days draw close and I start to get ready for Antarctica again, I am full of excitement. Last year, I thought I would be experiencing a once in a lifetime opportunity. Being gradated the opportunity to return to Antarctica, continue research with my team, and educate my students has fueled a new level of anticipation. This year, my thoughts are not exclusive to what Antarctica or my team will be like. I now have a better understanding of what to pack, a curiosity as to how the seismic stations have faired in the Antarctica winter and a daily I am generating new ideas for educational videos.

At the end of last school year, I was transferred back to Cousino High School, my home, and once again I am teaching astronomy, my passion. Last year, teaching middle school history, I had a challenging time getting students interested in the science. Their curiosity was focused on the continent itself. At the high school, my juniors and seniors look at me as an "insider" and are eager to hear about all the new scientific discoveries made in the field this season.

In the weeks preceding my expedition, I spent class time exposing students to the team, environment, living situations, and of course the science behind our mission. With each passing journal entry and video the students became more enthralled than before. They found the video of McMurdo fascinating, offering comments about what they expected it to look like versus the reality. As insightful as McMurdo was, it was my penguin video that reigned supreme. On this adventure, if I don't come into contact with some additional wildlife, I will have some devastated students.

In addition to teaching astronomy, I am also assisting with the leadership program. The leadership class has over 50 students that exemplify what makes great students and community members. They are the leaders- in charge of keeping the student body up-to-date on happenings within the Cousino community and have proved invaluable in getting the word out. Daily, I am receiving emails from other teachers and parents within the community issuing their support and praise. As much as I appreciate their efforts, it is their excitement that has been the most endearing. A day doesn’t go by that Antarctica is not mentioned in a way that their faces light up with inquisitiveness.

Like last year, I promised all my students that I would Skype with them at least once and remotely teach. This has allowed my students to feel a connection to this experience that I feared would not be there once I left. In addition to my classroom, I have set up many rooms within the school with Skype and webcams so other students and teachers can share with their students as well. Many classes have already logged onto the PolarTREC website and read all of last years journal articles in preparation. To further support the connectedness of the community, this year, the research team and I will participate in a Polar Connect Event. This experience allows other schools to hear about the incredible science taking place in the most extreme environment on land. When this event occurs, the leadership students will continue to publicize and I'm already seeing anticipation soaring throughout the school. My student's level of excitement has made me become more excited by the day and I hope my videos and journals satisfy.

Although I will only be gone for approximately 50 days it will feel like much longer. I will miss my family, my loving wife who is seven months pregnant with our first child, and my students whom over these short months I have grown to become quite fond of. As much as I will miss everyone, I know my experience will help spur the next generation of explorers and scientists. And yes, I will be back in time to witness my first born or my loving, supportive wife will kill me.

Cheers to another great adventure!