Moving to Kotzebue, Alaska

            My life changed drastically when my parents decided to pull up their roots in Utah and venture to the small village of Kotzebue, Alaska. I knew with this move I would be forced to leave behind my entire extended family and best friend. What I didn't know at the time was that Kotzebue would change my life in many aspects. From the carefree mentality to the love for a simple life, Kotzebue was definitely the place for me. The experiences I had in Kotzebue made me look at life from a different perspective. Kotzebue is a small town located on a peninsula surrounded by the Chuckchi Sea. The village is isolated from any major city, which makes for expensive produce and little community entertainment. When there isn't a movie theater and very little else to do, the boredom forces people to get creative and find something productive to do. Although very limited in a sense, it is surprising to see what can be done in such a small town. Kotzebue has shaped me into the person I am today because of what I was able to experience in the small village on the coast of Alaska.
             Now that I am here in Anchorage I have a different outlook on everyday life. However, there are some things I will always miss. Activities such as riding a four wheeler or snowmachine are very familiar to me. What may seem like a special occasion to some, was for me, a part of my everyday life. If my parents had not moved to Kotzebue, I probably would have never used a four wheeler and snowmachine. Later in life when I might have one of these "toys" of my own, I will already have experience that many people don't start out with. I am thankful that I was able to learn this sort of skill with everyday experience.
             When I see people bunched up with winter clothing to the maximum limit, I laugh. When the temperature is thirty five degrees outside, a down coat with snow pants, down mittens, bunny boots, and a hat--all with a wool balaclava--is completely outrageous.