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.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

I haven't dropped off the Earth.... 8-4-12

My time in Missouri was great. Seeing my 5th grade teacher was especially nice. Then my Uncle Chris, Aunt Nikki and cousin Garrett spent time with me in Illinois. That was fantastic, being able to see family. Today I biked out of Illinois and into Kentucky. I am having a very hard time uploading my video blogs, so I apologize for that. But it is coming. I am loving the process of finding my America!
Posted by at 4:22 PM

7 comments:

Greg said...

Hello John,
Hurry up and get out of those stick towns. We need the video logs to really feel we are part of this trip again. Have fun, keep on visiting family and friends but most of all experiencing our America!
Peace, Greg

August 5, 2012 at 5:35 PM
Karla Sawyer said...

I'm a Full Sail student, indeed I will graduate at the end of August. You probably know that Full Sailers are all excited about your trip! What you are doing is amazing and inspiring, I wish you all success! Be careful in the Kansas heat. I and my family live in Kansas, so we know first hand how horrible it has been of late. If you're ever in Medicine Lodge, KS and need a place to crash or a good meal, come to 104 W. Lockwood, buddy. ^_^ You'll be welcome. And we haz internet. :D

When you make it to Key West, how long do you plan on hanging out there?

August 6, 2012 at 8:18 AM
Diane said...

Hey John!
Very cool journey you have embarked on and I wish you the best. Success is still possible especially if you put forth as much effort as you did with this journey. You will go far kiddo! Good luck and i'm currently a Full Sail student living in orlando feel free to keep in touch!

August 6, 2012 at 8:44 AM
Anonymous said...

hello from Kansas...it is much cooler here now than it was on that day that i took you to Cassoday KS to meet up with someone who had a tire tube for you. You will love Kentucky...we pray for your safety and strength...and we admire what you are doing...thanks for the updates
jerry mcclenahan

August 6, 2012 at 8:58 AM
Mina Kaye said...

Missouri, Illinois, Sounds like your in my hometown area. Can't wait till you get to Full Sail! Keep up the amazing Journey. I think some of us are living vicariously through you. :P

- Mina Kaye

August 6, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Anonymous said...

Miss you, but we're happy for you! Enjoy the ride and dont't worry about the technology. It is good for us to be reminded that there are still places in this great country that aren't as connected to stuff as we think they are. The face to face experiences are the right focus for now. But we are anxiously waiting to be able to share in it with you through the videos:) love, Mom

August 6, 2012 at 11:51 AM
Craig Boyer said...

John,
I'm another full sail student, online, and I will be graduating in November... would love to meet and you! I'm an older student, 43, and I believe in America and it saddens me to hear that there are some out there buying the lie that the dream is dead. You are an inspiring individual to go against the grain on this!!! Wish you were coming through Indianapolis.

Way to go!

Craig

August 6, 2012 at 1:59 PM

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