From Pennsylvania to Valdez: Taking the Chance
by Vicki Heisser |
Sometimes all it takes is an Instagram ad. For David Buck, that was the spark.
One click led to an application.
The application led to a move.
That move took him from the Detroit area to Valdez, Alaska, where he is now a first-semester student in the Marine Service Technology A.A.S. program at Prince William Sound College.
Originally from a town of fewer than 1,000 people in Pennsylvania, David has always been drawn to Alaska. The wildlife, the lifestyle, the idea of something different—it stuck with him. When the opportunity showed up, he didn’t overthink it.
He went for it.
Now, settled in Alaska, what does he think?
“It’s everything I could have asked for and more.”
From campus life to the dorms and the community, the entire experience has exceeded his expectations. He’s especially eager for summer—fly fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden, finally living out the Alaska he imagined for years.
This spring, David put his skills to the test at the SkillsUSA Alaska Competition, competing in marine service repair. For him, it wasn’t just about placing—it was about proving what he’s learned and seeing where he stands on his own. Still, earning a placement made it that much better.
He was also awarded a $250 scholarship, which he plans to use toward a Yamaha web-based diagnostic course—an opportunity to gain certification and deepen his knowledge using YDIS software.
Before coming to PWSC, David spent nearly a decade working in the railroad industry, with certifications in fireproofing and waterproofing—skills that transfer directly into the marine world. Looking ahead, he sees multiple paths: opening a marine repair and fabrication business in Valdez or working as a fish culturist with salmon in hatcheries.
Like many students, finances were a major factor in the decision. David initially planned to attend using FAFSA alone, unaware that he would later receive grant funding. When that support came through, it reduced his loan burden and made a real difference.
Still, he was ready to come either way.
Because for him, it came down to something simple:
Take the chance.
“If it’s something you really want to do, don’t let anything stop you… " Be like Nike and just do it,” he says. “Coming to Valdez and PWSC is one of the best decisions I’ve made in the last five to ten years.”
Sometimes, the biggest changes come from saying yes to an opportunity—just like David did.
One click led to an application.
The application led to a move.
That move took him from the Detroit area to Valdez, Alaska, where he is now a first-semester student in the Marine Service Technology A.A.S. program at Prince William Sound College.
Originally from a town of fewer than 1,000 people in Pennsylvania, David has always been drawn to Alaska. The wildlife, the lifestyle, the idea of something different—it stuck with him. When the opportunity showed up, he didn’t overthink it.
He went for it.
Now, settled in Alaska, what does he think?
“It’s everything I could have asked for and more.”
From campus life to the dorms and the community, the entire experience has exceeded his expectations. He’s especially eager for summer—fly fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden, finally living out the Alaska he imagined for years.
This spring, David put his skills to the test at the SkillsUSA Alaska Competition, competing in marine service repair. For him, it wasn’t just about placing—it was about proving what he’s learned and seeing where he stands on his own. Still, earning a placement made it that much better.
He was also awarded a $250 scholarship, which he plans to use toward a Yamaha web-based diagnostic course—an opportunity to gain certification and deepen his knowledge using YDIS software.
Before coming to PWSC, David spent nearly a decade working in the railroad industry, with certifications in fireproofing and waterproofing—skills that transfer directly into the marine world. Looking ahead, he sees multiple paths: opening a marine repair and fabrication business in Valdez or working as a fish culturist with salmon in hatcheries.
Like many students, finances were a major factor in the decision. David initially planned to attend using FAFSA alone, unaware that he would later receive grant funding. When that support came through, it reduced his loan burden and made a real difference.
Still, he was ready to come either way.
Because for him, it came down to something simple:
Take the chance.
“If it’s something you really want to do, don’t let anything stop you… " Be like Nike and just do it,” he says. “Coming to Valdez and PWSC is one of the best decisions I’ve made in the last five to ten years.”
Sometimes, the biggest changes come from saying yes to an opportunity—just like David did.