"Last spring I graduated from Alaska Pacific University with my BA in creative and professional writing. With long-held goals of aiding in communication for science, climate, and Arctic communities, coming to Finland and working with the University of the Arctic (UArctic) to participate in cross-cultural and worldwide networks of communication has been an opportunity of a lifetime.
Providing younger generations with chances to collaborate in international programs makes pathways for current and future world connections and global understanding. With current events, the number and severity of regional and international conflicts can seem overwhelming. Taking chances to create connections and form communication networks is our best way to combat cultural disparities and misunderstandings. As I have always thought with my journey in written communications, as problems arise that threaten humanity, such as climate change and the increase of natural disasters, our ability to build bridges becomes more and more important.
During my time in Finland, I have been able to meet and work with supportive people from several nations, including Finland, Norway, France, the UK, Iceland, Ukraine, Belgium, Portugal, and the USA. I’ve helped organize events in Lapland, present on American culture and lifestyles to Finnish students, coordinate international meetings, create stronger ties between US and Finnish institutions through one-on-one meetings, share Indigenous Sámi stories, organize and participate in discussions on international policy, and work on the University of Lapland’s (ULapland) international reach.
Not only has the experience been incredibly fulfilling from a personal standpoint, but it has also helped me become a better communicator and broaden my experience in writing, which I plan to continually pursue after returning to Alaska. With the broad range of tasks I have worked on at UArctic, I have also gained valuable experience and knowledge across multiple disciplines which will serve me in any future employment.
I hope, even after leaving Rovaniemi and the employ of UArctic and US Embassy, I can continue to serve Arctic communities and uphold the relationships I have created while in Finland, fostering long-lasting international ties."