My summer was different from that of any of the other Marshall students. It was unique because I chose to further my education. I attended a summer college preparation program called the Rural Alaska Honors Institute (or RAHI) in Fairbanks. It may sound like my summer was pretty lame, but I had a lot of fun.

I left for Fairbanks on May 29th, and, along with 50 other students from across Alaska, I started classes on Memorial Day. My schedule was pretty hectic for a 16 year old. I attended classes from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. each day from Monday through Friday. The classes I attended were Computer Survey, University Communications, Study Skills, Alaska Native Studies and Alaska Native Dance. I also had to attend mandatory study hall from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., Sunday through Thursday. On week days I did what I needed to do to pass my classes, and on weekends I went shopping, to the movies, or participated in other activities the family groups organized.

My favorite outing was when some of the family groups took a trip to Zip Zap, where I enjoyed myself playing arcade games and laser tag. I loved playing laser tag because every time I played, the team I was on won, and I have to admit that it is a very addictive game. I also enjoyed going to the theater where I watched a total of five new releases during the six weeks there.

I returned home on July 10th and I've been volunteering my spare time with Ameri Corps. We've been trying to raise money for a teen center all summer by setting up activities for kids and selling hamburgers, french fries and pop. For volunteering I received a sweater and a baseball cap with Ameri Corps logos on them. When I wasn't studying or volunteering I was out on boat rides, camping, hanging out with friends at ungodly hours, or sleeping. All in all, I don't think that I wasted one minute of my summer.

By: Rose Lynn Fitka