What a bizarre situation. Never been to Alaska but would be surprised if race relations there are so negative they require getting your mind right. A black family friends of ours moved to Alaska a couple of years ago. The wife did a Physician Assistant contract with the state for IIRC 3 or 5 years with not only great pay but some fantastic benefits. We had dinner together one night before they made the decision and talked over a bunch of associated issues. Downsides? COLD and the potential for racial issues. Upside? The chance for their 2 school age daughters to have an experience like none other; to see and experience a lifestyle they otherwise might only read about. And a chance for Mom and Dad to establish professional and personal relationships they will remember the rest of their lives. If they come back at contract's end all the things they saw, shared and did will come with them. And old educational loans that allowed the Mom to establish her career will be liquidated. WOW.
During our conversation that night my wife and I each said "GO" and do not let an empty fear of undeserved black hate keep you from this opportunity. In the end their decision, including the children, was to go. They have not regretted that decision. The communities they serve have accepted them for what they are; hard working, moral, family oriented professionals. The wife PA flies in bush planes to isolated communities where health care is hard to come by. In return they have been given such things as a moose foreleg, black meat, seal oil and invitations to share in community celebrations. So far the only downside has been the COLD, the black meat and seal oil. But it's been a small downside.
Now they are friends of friends and have gone to the only place in the world where they could have met. Got kinda carried away here but it just seems way beyond stupid to waste money making sure Alaskan educators do indeed have their mind right about their students. Alaska ain't exactly the Chicago hood. If you're black and in Alaska you're more than likely doing a job that is in demand and good at what you do. So anyhow, hang in there kaboku. Maybe you can end up teaching the teachers.
