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 Janelle
Welbourn VISTA
Volunteer, Writer, Editor, Fundraising
I have always had a difficult time with small talk. I like
to jump right in to the thick of things, then discover the
subtle details and nuances. I view my life similarly; I
enjoy propelling myself into new situations and places and
creating opportunities where I never thought to look.
I do not place much importance on the linear progression
of events and accomplishments in my life, but rather on
the discoveries I have made through my interactions with
people. I have been privileged with the opportunity to travel
to many different countries and to work with people from
various walks of life, possessing a myriad of abilities,
beliefs and perceptions. Through this I have developed a
great affinity for people and their individual 'stories'.
Although I have been institutionally educated at the University
of Illinois C-U in English and Psychology, most of my 'true'
learning has come from being a patient listener and an attentive
observer in my interactions with people. I have found my
greatest teachers to be the ones I least suspect. In both
my personal and professional experiences with people I have
realized that there is always some common ground to be found.
My lifelong goal is to naturally find it. This is especially
significant in my current position as communications coordinator
for the Alaska Boreal Forest Council. In my short time at
the council I have found that there about as many opinions
on how to best use our natural resources as there are people.
This presents me with the exciting challenge of truly putting
my listening and facilitating skills to productive use.
I have no doubt that I will find many teachers in the Fairbanks
community and I hope to reciprocate the wisdom that is shared
with me.
 Robert
Harris VISTA
Volunteer, Webmaster, Videographer
I have been involved in web design and video since graduating
Stanford two years ago. I have not, however, found my muse
until deciding to have an adventure in Alaska. The Council
has introduced me to the global movement of sustainable
development. The saying "think globally, act locally"
is being acted out by the Council everyday and I am proud
to be part of it. The Council's vision will guide me for
the rest of my life.
 Kimberley
Maher VISTA
Volunteer, Biologist, Educator
Growing up, my family moved around quite a bit, living
in the Mid-west, the West, and the Southwest. For college,
I headed East and recieved a B.S. in Biology from Boston
College and spent my junior year abroad in Glasgow, Scotland
studing in the Botany Dept. After college -- not really
knowing what to do with myself-- I moved to Fairbanks and
spent a year serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. During
this year I was recruited to volunteer for the Tapping Into
Spring Project-- it is then that I first came in contact
with the Alaska Boreal Forest Council. After my commitment
to JVC ended, I decided to continue my education; I am now
persuing a master's degree at UAF School of Agriculture
and Land Resource Management. Volunteering with TIS a second
year inspired me to focus on for my thesis research on sap
flow in birch trees. I am now in my second year as an Americorps*
VISTA at the Council.
 Melanie
Muus VISTA Volunteer,
Educator
Growing up in the bright lights of Las Vegas, I learned
to find solace and peace in the outdoors. I
chose to attend college in Montana after falling in love
with the beauty of Yellowstone National Park. I graduated
in 1999 with my BS in Biology, Chemistry and Exercise Science
from Rocky Mountain College. From there I took some
time off to travel all over the world learning about different
cultures and places. Some of my favorite places were
on the tops of the Alps in Switzerland and the fjords of
Norway. My wanderings brought me to Alaska in the summer
of 2000. I instantly fell in love with her beauty and wonder.
After leaving Alaska I worked as a Naturalist in the lower
48, but vowed to return north someday. I am hoping
that with my work here at the council I will get to share
my love of the outdoors and help the kids here in Fairbanks
learn about the wonderful world they have at their fingertips.
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