ameri.ken.doll

I was born and raised in the Mountains of North Carolina, a place where camping, backpacking and kayaking are second nature for its residents. Despite this, I had never done much more than a simple day hike, or watch the sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It wasn't until my sophomore year of high school that I stepped outside my comfort zone and attended The Alzar School, a boarding school in Cascade, Idaho and Patagonia, Chile. Not only did I move thousands of miles away from my friends and family, I was going to be living with thirty other teenagers whom I had never met. While here, I tried camping, backpacking and kayaking, three things I never once thought I would try, let alone actually enjoy.

Although, while attending the Alzar School broadened my scope on life, friendships and what I am able to accomplish, it also taught me to try everything. No matter if it is in your backyard or halfway across the world, you will never regret a new experience. Each day I take this advice to broaden my love for the North Carolina mountains and everything that surrounds them. Now that I have once again left the comfort of my home, and am surrounded by new beginnings, I am eager to try new things and experience the life that The University of Georgia and Athens has to offer.