My summer consisted of bushwhacking the Alaskan wilderness, taking vegetation samples and measurements, flying in helicopters, living on a boat and carrying a shotgun. We navigated mostly by photo and compass through some of the wildest terrain this world has to offer. During this internship I gained experience in bear safety, underwater helicopter escape, living on a boat, taking ecological measurements, and I also got my foot in the door for a possible career with the Forest Service.

When I first got the job I was not sure if I was going to be able to get all the way to Alaska. On top of getting there I needed to buy the required gear for flying in a helicopter and working in the woods. I am a student which by definition means I have no money and my folks do not have much either. My father works full-time for the Post Office and my mother cannot work due to a long-time illness that attacks her immune system and depletes her ability to fight off illness.

I was able to get to Alaska though because of the generosity of a family I have never met. This summer was life changing in many ways from personal to professional and was only possible because of your generosity. I am honored to receive an award in the memory of your daughter. I am sure that she loved the outdoors and the environment and now other people can experience them in her name. Thank you so much for enabling this summer to happen, it means so much to me and my family. I have grown so much this summer and could not have done it without your help.

Sincerely,

Zachary Bergen
Burlington VT