What's Cooler Than Being Cool?- Ice Cold

In 18 days one of the most extraordinary events will take place. No I am not talking about Saturday or Spring break being a week from March 2 (though that is sure to be extraordinary). I am talking about the Iditarod. Also known as the last great race. Think Disney’s Balto meets Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. Can you imagine participating in an event that lasts almost two weeks, is both mentally and physically demanding and death a very real outcome?

            The Iditarod began in 1973, and was originally meant to simply test the best sled dogs and mushers. Today the race is highly competitive with the fastest time being set by John Baker with a time of 8 days and 19 hours. Teams are made up of a musher and a group of 12-16 dogs of which 6 are required to be on the towline at the finish. Together this team will travel for approximately 1,049 miles from Anchorage to Nome, through blizzards and sub-zero temperatures that can reach 100 below. Just as a reference, water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your facial hair freezes anywhere from 15-20 below and at all temperatures lower than that your eyes and lips begin to freeze. The Alaskans have been known to get brain freeze from breathing on typical spring days. Not to mention bear encounters, frostbite and possibly getting lost in the abyss that is the Alaskan wilderness. The Iditarod really took off in 1985 when a Wisconsinite Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the race. Mushers from around the world risk it all for the fame and the glory.

            For most of us the answer to my earlier question is “yes, it’s called finals week.” Ask any STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) student and they will tell you that death is a very plausible outcome. Every semester students face starvation, fatigue and insanity all for the glory that comes with that good grade. So this semester why not treat finals like the Iditarod. Gather your team of advisors, professors, study buddies and tutors. Load up your metaphorical sled with knowledge, caffeine and a positive attitude. Look out for detours and bears in the form of parties, video games or whatever your vices may be. Remember to enjoy the ride and be thankful your education is not a race it is a foundation for your future. No guts no glory Islanders, now mush.