Out Of The Wild: An Alaskan's Adventure To Find America

My name is John. I was born and raised in Alaska. I have been hearing how the American Dream is no longer possible for my generation; how the pursuit of a college education will leave my peers and me in crippling debt; and America is no longer the beacon of hope it once was. Too many of my generation believe what they are hearing. I am not going to surrender to such news.

I believe what made America great in the past can make it great again. I know many small business owners that are living their American Dream right now. I have heard these people talk about their dreams. They work harder than anyone I know every minute of every day. These are dreamers that act on their dreams. I want to chase my dream in the same way. My personal motto is, “Risk much, forgive much, and gain much”. I want to pursue a career in film. I want to chase my dream too.

I need to see more of this country to better understand my homeland. I want to meet the people who make this country work. Upon graduation from high school I am riding my bicycle 6,000 miles from Kodiak, Alaska to Key West, Florida to find my America. I am not going on this tour just to ride my bike. My plan is to document the people I meet that have put their dreams to work. I will interview them in their environment and interview the people they serve.

Using my bicycle, a tent, and a camera I will tell this story in a documentary I call “Finding My America”. I will begin in my hometown of Kodiak, Alaska on May 22, 2012. I am partnering with small businesses that will sponsor this trip. I am working with many Subway restaurant owners who are sponsoring me in exchange for a commercial I will make and post on the Internet.

When my trip is complete, I want to share what I learn with everyone. Look for the finished documentary in the late fall of 2012. The blog will serve as a behind the scenes update to chronicle my grand adventure. I am accepting financial support from anyone interested in inspiring my generation to embrace the hard work of bringing America back to a new era of greatness. I hope to tell the stories of the real American dream. I hope to raise enough money to pay for college without student loans. Help me tell this American story. Together we can be the difference.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Down By The Sea

What a day!  I just won the Creative Minds Scholarship for Full Sail University!  I am out testing my bicycle set up with my Extrawheel trailer.  Only 17 days before I leave Kodiak.


5 comments:

Jill Yrjana said...

Congratulations John! You deserve it. You worked hard and have a special gift. I look forward to watching the blog this summer as we settle in in Valdez. We are going to miss your family a ton and it will help fill the void.
Keep it up!
Jill

Jill Yrjana said...

:-$

future bike tour planner said...

I want to see your bike and trailer!
What are you using?
How heavy are you packing?
How are you eating and hydrating?
Panniers vs trailer?
How do you know what to choose?
Who is giving you advice?
I might plan a much shorter trip like this.
What are your thoughts?

kodiakbiker said...

Future bike tour planner!

I am using the extra wheel trailer. I am packing about 40 pounds of luggage. I am eating lots of peanut butter and drinking lots of water for the most part. I personally prefer trailer, especially the extra wheel. It keeps the weight low to the ground and trails really well. I am seeking advice online and through local cyclists. A tour is a great way to see the world! I think it is a great idea for you to plan a trip!

the angry developer said...

Hey man, I saw your story on Full Sail's home page. I've been a student here for game development for almost a year now. You'll love it here. I wish the best of luck to your ride.