The Objective(s)

Although the physical journey is not set to commence for 7+ months, I see the endeavor as having already been started. The goal of the entire adventure is three fold:

#1 - Spend the next 7 months or so showing myself and anyone else who is interested that I am capable of earning the funds; a task that could prove highly useful for future projects...because, let's be real, I'm a creative individual and money and creativity don't always go hand in hand; to have the support of others is useful for anyone who wishes to succeed.

#2 - Go to Antarctica for 2.5 weeks. Because that is awesome and glaciers are magical.

#3 - Upon returning to the PDX area I plan to conduct a freelance lecture series to middle schools for the rest of the 2010-11 school year. The idea is still manifesting itself (with my guidance, of course) but, I want to get the message out to the world's youth that anything is possible and you can do whatever you put your mind to.

Of course, I will have to make the first two objectives a reality before I can spread the positive message of self belief.

Next step: implement physical progress...

--AS

The Program

Students on Ice. I'll let it speak for itself:

http://www.studentsonice.com





Thank you Geoff Green: Candidate for Best Role-model Ever.

http://www.studentsonice.com/index.php?content=geoff_green_biography

--AS

The Power of Procrastination

So, I've procrastinated since the day I was born. I'm sure several of you out there get what I'm saying.

I like to think that I learn something important every day. Today, the lesson is this: when you procrastinate you leave yourself room to both improve and make sure that when you actually follow through you do the best job...ever.

This is also me attempting to make myself feel better. Rule number one in raising almost 14k in 7 months:

If someone agrees to help you and you absolutely need their help, you must abide by their terms. Period.

Uh...yeah, so, I sort of ignored that factor due to a brief summer vay-cay.

Eep.

--AS

The Way to Wintriest

Greetings!

It is Saturday the 19th of June and some of you might know me. Some of you might not know me at all. Though, whatever our connection may or may not be, I am glad to have you as a reader.

I write to you from a coffee house in north west Portland - Anna Banana's - because soy banana lattes are exactly what a serious adventure seeker needs for fuel. In any event, this is the first log of many that will allow you a peek into what works and what doesn't when it comes to earning your way on the escapade of a lifetime.

My name is Alex Sempel and starting today I am setting in motion a 13,500 dollar quest to Antarctica. I have less than 35 dollars in my bank account right now. Thus far, I am running purely on espresso and self belief. These are the accounts, challenges, and celebrations of what one person can do when she gets an idea and refuses to let it go.

But first things must come first, and I am in need of a bit more organization. We'll be in touch. Stay tuned...

--AS