I first became involved with Iditarod when my girlfriend told me that it was one of her bucket list items to spectate and volunteer at the race. So I’ve always been aware of the race. I visited Alaska when I was 16 or 17, something like that. But I wasn’t here for the race, but I heard of it, and I’d always been curious as well. So we signed up on a whim once registration for volunteers became available.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

My why, I am here today and involved with Iditarod because I grew up with dogs. My mother’s a veterinarian. I grew up in a veterinary hospital. I bred dogs. So I’ve always been familiar and around and comfortable with dogs and combining the wilderness of Alaska, the outdoors, the excitement of the race environment, plus the dog aspect, as I mentioned before, I’m a dog handler. I think all of those things kind of tie nicely together into what I respect and appreciate in my life.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences:

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was this morning, just being here at the hotel and seeing all of the volunteers, seeing how organized everything is, seeing how people are. Some people have been doing this for many years and have a really deep bond in connection with each other and know each other. And then there are new people like myself who are being welcomed into the community. I think that it’s really great to see this close-knit bond that people form, no matter where you’re from or how long you’ve been doing this, and everybody’s working towards the same goal.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is that I don’t know anything at all. I was once asked in a job interview, where do I see myself five years from now? And my answer to that question is the same as this one, which is anything but where I am right now. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m really excited for the unknown.