Together Through Change, Toward Something New

What brought Ben and Storm Hall to Prince William Sound College wasn’t a straight path; it was a journey shaped by change, challenge, and a shared commitment to keep moving forward together.

They met fast. Quickly, they built a life together. Early on, they navigated military life, injury, transition, and uncertainty. What started as a rocky chapter became their foundation. It taught them how to support each other, communicate honestly, and keep going even when things felt unclear. With those experiences behind them, their search for what was next began.

After serving in the Marines, Ben knew he wanted a career outdoors. While searching for programs in outdoor fields and guiding, nothing quite fit right until he came across Prince William Sound College and the Outdoor Leadership program. This discovery set a new path, one that Storm would soon join.

Storm, who had been homeschooled most of her life, and after graduating from a homeschool program, hadn’t planned on attending college. She loved the outdoors too, just differently. Where Ben was drawn to mountains and snow, Storm preferred sunshine and beaches. Alaska wasn’t part of her original plan, but she saw the opportunity for a fresh start and chose to leap.

Traveling cross-country together, they lived simply out of a van and volunteered in state parks. Along the way, they gained hands-on experience. Their collective journey culminated in fall 2025, when they arrived at PWSC in Valdez—a place that surprised them with its beauty, community, and sense of belonging.

At PWSC, both found their stride. Ben had grown into a leadership role during his military service, and he has continued that path in the Outdoor Leadership program. Meanwhile, Storm completed the Natural Resource Technician program. She is now working toward her associate degree while balancing work and stepping into a completely new environment.

“We’ve always done things a little differently. This college, its instructors, and the opportunities it’s offered have shaped us in ways we’re deeply grateful for.”

Like many students in Alaska, they’ve faced challenges—especially adjusting to a new place and finding housing. Nevertheless, they’ve met those hurdles together, growing in their new environment.

Ben and Storm’s story is still unfolding. One thing is clear: they came to PWSC for opportunity and found growth, resilience, and community along the way.