We (Kaitlyn Obstfeld, Patrick Soprovich, and Sabrina Clarke) are seasoned Yukoners that have been accepted for a research trip of a lifetime in the Antarctic. This is expedition is known as the "Students on Ice: Antarctic University Expedition 2013" and 60 university students all over the world are chosen to accompany influential scientists as they conduct research on this unique continent.

This expedition uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine the scienctific wonders of the Antarctic continent, its political, biological, and exploration history. The students and scientists will make frequent
trips to the Antarctic mainland, where field studies will be conducted. This research is supplemented by lectures, presentations, seminars, and lab exercises held before and during the expedition. As a member of the Students on Ice: Antarctic University Expedition 2013, we will gain experience, perspective, and knowledge with both the students whose unique
backgrounds and passion we share, and the extremely influential scientists who will be accompanying us. It will show us (prospective scientists) many of the possibilities in applying our talents and interests to polar sciences.

Unfortunately, an opportunity such as this doesn’t come without financial demand. The expedition costs total about $11 500.00 and this does not include the air fare to and from Argentina. There are about four Yukon students in this position for 2013, and we will most likely not be the last. As university students, we are plagued with the same financial grief that this expedition holds; all the while trying to save money for school too. But we believe that pouring our time and effort (and personal funds) into this program will mean a investment for the future and an investment for the Yukon. Something we hope you will see as well.

We share a common goal to one day return to the Yukon, equipped with the tools needed to be responsible, knowledgeable, and experienced in our actions. This expedition will provide us with many of the scientific experience needed to compliment our career aspirations as engineers, environmentalists, and scientists alike and therefore help us shape the future of Yukon development and set an example for other regions that are a part of the polar climate area. A research expedition to Antarctica also provides valuable insight into a climate that directly influences our own. All in all, we believe that this is something our community should be trying very hard to be a part of.

Thank-you very much for your time and for supporting us. From one Yukoner-to-another.