HUMAN

Name: Jan Stephens

Age: 66

Residence: Boise, Idaho

Occupation: Teacher at Boise State University

Years involved with the Iditarod: This is my first year of Iditarod

Iditarod Role: I help out with the dogs and the dog lot.

Current Location: Nome, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 15, 2022

Temperature: 7F Outdoors & 68F Indoors at Iditarod Headquarters

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

So I got involved with the Iditarod because I came to see my friend, Kathy Patella, and in coming into the headquarters for Iditarod I was actually looking for a tee-shirt for my husband, but instead I got a job. So we went through the training, she said to come back the next day. And I think I’m going to come back tonight.

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

Well, I’m here today and got involved with the Iditarod because it seemed like a great opportunity. And when am I going to get to do this again?

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

I think probably one of my most memorable experiences today was just being at the finish line and watching Brent Sass come through. And my phone wouldn’t work, but I happened to be standing next to a guy who’s with a production company, and I helped him with his lenses. He gave me his cell phone and let me shoot some film with his phone. And if I hadn’t been standing next to him, I probably wouldn’t have proof that I was actually here, except for you.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is that every day is precious. You got to take every opportunity that comes your way. And this was one of them for me.