My mom is my hero; she always has been. Her work for our Alaska Native communities through the lens of public health has directly impacted local, state, and federal policies. Her publications have been cited hundreds of times across her tenure with the state of Alaska and Southcentral Foundation. She has worked tirelessly to secure grant funding for crucial research encompassing some of Alaska’s most vulnerable populations.
Originally born in California, she worked her way from the streets of Stockton to the classrooms of Stanford, where she met my dad. Upon her graduation, my parents headed up to Alaska and had me. I couldn’t have been born to a better family. Before my birth, my mom dedicated herself to my health, changing her diet and forcing herself away from known health risks. Upon my birth, she provided for me in the best ways possible. She carefully looked over my diet, my sleeping habits, and my environment. As a child she was the first to help me practice my hand-eye coordination. The one who stressed the importance of reading every day. In my faintest memories I can still remember her bringing me to the library every week, the two of us choosing a new book for me to read. As I entered elementary school, I remember her playing Lego Star Wars with me before working on our homework together – me with my basic arithmetic and her with her master’s homework. She often served as a role model for me in this way, subtly promoting a positive view of academia that has served me well throughout school. Her ability to work full time, pursue a master’s (and later, a doctoral) degree, and raise my sister and I while maintaining a loving and fruitful marriage has amazed me and inspired me. I can't choose an area of my life where she hasn't guided me. When I heard she had the opportunity to come to D.C. and see me, I felt proud to show her where I worked. I wanted to have lunch with her in the Dirksen cafeteria. To have her meet some of my coworkers – the same people I rave about weekly to my family during our weekly FaceTime calls. But what I was most proud of was the chance to show her the Capitol for the first time. To see in her eyes the same wonder I feel every moment working here in D.C. When she finally did come, I showed her all I could of the Capitol. We were on a tight schedule, but I made sure she saw as much as possible: the Crypt, the Hall of Statues, the Rotunda, and plenty more. It wasn't lost on me how special the moment was. For the first time, I could show my mom my work. A place I was proud to go every day and proud to leave every evening. A place where I felt like my work mattered. A place where I felt accepted. Where my interests were other people's interests, not just an interesting talking point. A place where I could show my mom what her support and love has led to. Where I could treat her just as she has treated me all these years. Where I could show her off as my Alaskan of the week.
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Mike Juvrud