01 Jun From SoCal to the Last Frontier, Alaska – Francisco Vazquez introduction

From SoCal to the Last Frontier, Alaska

Hi, I’m Francisco Vazquez, and I’m serving as the Virtual Education and Outreach Specialist intern here at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (APLIC). Having grown up in Southern California my whole life, being in Alaska is a significant change, but an amazing one at that! Everywhere I go, I get a sweeping view of the snow-topped mountains that help make up Chugach State Park, and trees! There are so many trees, different types of evergreens can be found on almost every street, and it’s incredible to see a community that lives among nature!

My team here at the APLIC is terrific, they all have a story to tell, and I know I can learn a lot from them during my stay here. Whether I have questions about the native flora and fauna, the native people of Alaska, or the network of different agencies that help preserve all the different wilderness areas here, they always have an answer for me! Even thousands of miles away from home, everyone here has made me feel welcomed and at home as well

Now I’m looking forward to getting to know the city of Anchorage during my time here and learn how I can give back to this community! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and I’m excited to get to work!

I’ll make sure to keep y’all updated!

Best,

Francisco Vazquez