This summer, I had an incredible learning experience working in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the ecotourism field. Through the Paul Smith’s College spring Career Fair, I was able to find out about this amazing externship opportunity at a company called Westmark Hotel. The top two general managers in the company and I shared something in common: we were both Smitties. These alumni had moved to Alaska right after they graduated.
Through this externship experience, I also got to receive class credits writing weekly reports on my job duties and composing an end-of-the-summer evaluation of the company, to share what I had learned and how I enjoyed working for them. This opportunity through Paul Smith’s College provided me with the experience of a lifetime and knowledge that I will carry with me throughout my future journeys.
Pictured above: Crow Pass Trail in Anchorage, Alaska: I went on the most amazing hike ever on Fourth of July weekend. The 35-mile hike took two days and was full of breathtaking scenery.
![](http://www.paulsmiths.edu/classreports/files/2015/10/Ahsley-D-2-1c1j6yk.jpg)
Seward, Alaska: This was my first time seeing a salmon stream up close in person! It was running off of the Pacific Ocean, and I got the chance to see the salmon jumping right out of the stream!
![](http://www.paulsmiths.edu/classreports/files/2015/10/Ashley-D-3-16t5c7i.jpg)
Girwood, Alaska: I call this one “Heaven” because when I saw this landscape, I lost my breath; it was so empowering to be standing in the middle of such tall mountains with a mix of glacier runoff, snow, tall grass and still 80-degree weather!
What a way to experience a part of our world,. this college knows how to prepare their students to learn and help our planet. I enjoyed reading Ashleys posts and her pictures of Alaska tell her story…. Rachael, grandmother of Ashley.
Thank you Paul Smiths for having such a wonderful program and for giving my daughter the opportunity to participate. The experiences she had will be with her forever.
Thank you for your kind comment! We are grateful Ashley shared this great experience with us!
Way to go !
Paul Smiths represented from NY State to Alaska !
This came out awesome! Thanks so much for featuring me in the newspaper! Thankful to be apart of it 🙂