Sally Rogers:  

The personal stuff follows. First, here's a few paragraphs I wrote during our senior year at East H.S., for a Wendell Crouch English class (may he rest in peace.) My family moved to Anchorage just before our freshman year at Anchorage H.S.: After putting a stack of records on the turntable, I returned to the desk to face those glaring, white sheets of paper. Another essay was nearly due and inspiration was being extremely evasive this particular evening. Even the music, which usually suggests any number of possibilities, was cool and uncooperative. Then, just as I was about to give up, I found myself listening to the "Alaska Flag" song and thinking over the many experience I've had during the four years I've been in Alaska, experiences which, together with the country itself, have made an indelible impression on my life. My family was jolted into Alaska in the summer of l958 and my first sensation upon crossing the border was one of exquisite relief--pavement! Prior to leaving Michigan for Alaska, I had led a rather sheltered life, believing that the world was nearly entirely paved. My faith was severely shaken, among other things, to the point where, with the family, I agreed that if our house in Anchorage was on an unpaved street, we would return to civilization¿by air! But after a few hours in Alaska, this whole resolution was forgotten. I remember very little of the scenery in Canada, my mind being shrouded with a faint, brownish haze on the subject, but I am certain there was nothing to compare with the drive to Anchorage from Tok. After living all of my 14 years in the Midwest, the first view of mountains was an experience to be classed with the first year one is really aware of spring. The mountains were the beginning of many "first" experiences for me. Alaska proudly displayed her glaciers, northern lights and midnight sun. This amazing country is only half of the picture of Alaska that is mine. The other, and perhaps greater half, is the people I have known here. While in Alaska, I have met people from every state¿Maine to Florida, Florida to California, California to Washington. Others I've known came from many foreign countries. Each of these people has in some way contributed to my impressions and growth during the last four years. After living in Alaska I almost feel there is no place on earth where I couldn¿t find someone I've known here. The list of Alaskan experiences I'll always remember would surely include dogsled races, picnics and long walks i...Expand for more