Alaskans sow stories in our blood. I was fortunate enough to grow up hearing tales from the Natives, the myths that explain the strange phenomena of my home. The Northern Lights are spirits of the dead playing ball with a human skull. Raven stole the sun, stars, and moon to bring light to the world. I was raised on stories, so it's no surprise I want to tell them.

I later learned that words have unimaginable power beyond these tales. We can change countries and people's lives with the words we speak and write. The ability to write and share ideas is incredible but can cause irreparable damage when placed in the wrong hands. I want to help people - to write the truth - and I can do it through the words in my head. I have a ways to go before I reach this goal, and who knows if I ever will, but the journey along the way is as thrilling as the destination. Until then, I will write what I can.