Marnie Kaler
Growing up on the coast of Maine I spent a lot of time in and on the ocean. I also developed a passion for sailing and scary books - after all, Maine is home to the author Stephen King.
For college, I decided to leave Maine and attend school in New Hampshire as a music major. After my first year I realized that neither were a good fit for me. I returned to Maine to finish my degree in Computer Science in Portland Maine.
After graduation I developed a love for travel (especially road trips) including a trip where I crossed the USA in a VW camper. The trip of a lifetime started in Maine and went across all of Canada ending here in Alaska.
After arriving in Anchorage I started working for the University of Alaska Anchorage at the Community and Technical College as a Tech Prep specialist. This position helped me to gain an understanding for the diverse programs that the Community and Technical College and the University of Alaska Anchorage offer. This knowledge has provided me with the foundation for my current position with the University of Alaska Anchorage as an Outreach Specialist.
Currently I am pursuing another degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage. So I know first hand what it’s like being a Seawolf!
Fast Facts
My degree - I graduated with a degree in Computer Science.
My home - Damariscotta, Maine
College activities - Chorus, Medieval Club, and Student Life volunteer
Secret to getting a good freshman GPA - ALWAYS go to class! Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, and get to know your instructors!
One place everyone should visit when they're on campus - The Aviation Complex! With a 360 degree air traffic control simulator, flight simulator, and hanger for the UAA aviation planes and helicopter, it’s worth the trip!
Best tip for getting involved on campus - Intramural Sports, or one of the more than 100 clubs found on campus. From inner-tube water polo to the world class debate team there is definitely an activity on campus for you!
Best tip for stretching your college money - Events on campus with FREE FOOD! Look for announcements for events that have goodies for students, I have found everything from pizza to truffles!
Advice I wish I’d gotten (or paid attention to) before college - Picking a college that is right for you might be in your own back yard!
One thing that I never imagined before coming to UAA - Having a moose peek in at you in your classes! UAA is surrounded by trails and wilderness and moose often times come to visit campus and occasionally peak in on one of your classes!
Coolest events on campus - The Carrs/Safeway Great Alaskan basketball shootout, the Nye Frontier hockey classic, and cultural events sponsored by the Cama-i Room (pronounced Cha-my is a Yupik word for "welcome") that is located in student housing.
My hobbies - Geocaching, Anchorage has over 700! Biking on the miles of trails Anchorage has to offer and reading scary books.
My favorite quote - “We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.” Henry David Thoreau
Reality TV show I’d be good on - “The Amazing Race,” because I have travel down to a science!
Want to find out more about the University of Alaska Anchorage?
E-mail me at Marnie.kaler@uaa.alaska.edu
Alaska offers adventure - The University of Alaska Anchorage Offers opportunity!
