Florence Qak'aaq Kargi, Hooper Bay, RAHI 2006
Florence Kargi (formerly Nukusuk) grew up in the coastal village of Hooper Bay; her Yup’ik name is Qak’aaq, given in honor of her dad’s auntie Florence and her grandmother Mary - Florence Mary. From an early age, Florence sought out every chance to learn and explore. Like many rural students, she explored the world beyond her community through school trips, enrichment programs, and academic challenges.
Her senior year took an unexpected turn when a fire closed her school and one of 13 homes, prompting her to complete her education at Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka. It was a big change, but not her first leap of courage. She had already started taking college classes as early as middle school, determined to get a head start on her education. By the time she completed the six-week Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) in 2006, she had accumulated more than 30 college credits, an incredible head start for any high school student.
Florence’s foray into college started with classes at the 51 Kuskokwim Campus (KuC) Talent Search in Bethel while joining programs like Upward Bound in Fairbanks, and the Alaska Native Student Wisdom Enrichment Retreat (ANSWER) Camp in Sitka. It was through these programs that she heard about RAHI and decided to give it a shot.
That summer in the Interior was unlike anything she had experienced on the western coast of Alaska. The weather was hot, the air was smoky, and the days were packed with new adventures. She remembers the thrill of rafting in Denali National Park, camping and fishing at Twin Bears Camp, and joining community races like the Midnight Sun Run and the Mosquito Meander. RAHI wasn’t just about academics; it was about trust, teamwork, and discovering what you’re capable of. Weekend excursions pushed students outside their comfort zones and helped them build strong friendships. Back in the classroom, that trust translated into confidence. Florence still keeps in touch with friends from her RAHI cohort and says the RAHI bond extends far beyond one summer: “It doesn’t matter if you went the same year or not; you’re now part of the same shared experience.”
Florence also valued the way RAHI celebrates culture, offering classes in Alaska Native dance, Alaska Native languages, and Alaska Native games. Students who may not have access to these traditions get the chance to learn, while those who do can become teachers and cultural leaders among their peers. Homesickness can be the most challenging aspect of RAHI. Dorm staff play a crucial role in supporting students through that transition, providing activities and outings that bring the group together and lift spirits. These bonds often last long after the summer ends.
She encourages any student who’s unsure about applying to take a chance. “It’s much better to try than to wonder what could have been,” she says. “Six weeks may seem long now, but it’s the perfect opportunity to see if college is right for you, or if a vocational path might be a better fit. Either way, you’ll discover more about yourself and what’s out there for you.” Florence also shared the importance of maintaining physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. She said she enjoys being active and can still ball with the best of them… perhaps a RAHI alumni basketball tournament is in the cards!
Florence wants potential funders and policymakers to know that RAHI builds future leaders. It shows rural and Alaska Native students that their goals are within reach and gives them the tools to pursue them with confidence. RAHI offers students the chance to experience college life on the 51 campus in a safe, supportive environment. For many, it opens doors to opportunities they never knew existed.