Professor Polack
Professor Polack, a distinguished computer science professor at the University of Mary Washington, possesses a deep curiosity for global exploration. Driven by a desire to broaden her understanding of different cultures and technological landscapes, she aspires to study abroad in countries across the world. Professor Polack's ambition to study abroad exemplifies her commitment to enriching both his own academic perspectives and the field of computer science as a whole.
View UMW Trip 2024
Iceland, where we spent weeks exploring the stunning landscapes of this Nordic island. One of the highlights of the trip was driving around the famous ring road, a 1,332-kilometer highway that circles the entire country. Along the way, we marveled at cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and towering glaciers. We had the chance to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture, sampling traditional cuisine and learning about the country's history and geology. This unforgettable journey through Iceland's dramatic beauty left a lasting impression all of us.
View UMW Trip 2023
After leading a study abroad trip to Brazil and Argentina, where the students explored the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest, embarked on a captivating river cruise along the Amazon, and marveled at the breathtaking Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border, Professor Polack decided to create a photo book. With meticulous attention to detail, he curated a collection of photographs capturing the vibrant landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and joyous moments of the trip. I aimed to provide a visual narrative that would forever remind the students of their remarkable journey.

Whale Watching Adventure

By Mariel Couvillion

In the town of Akureyri, Iceland (the capital of North), there lived a girl named Helga. Helga loved whales and had always wanted to go whale watching since she lived so close to the Eyjafjordur fjord. She grew up on tales her grandfather told her of his days working as the captain on a ship and how he and his crew would see beautiful whales all the time. However, Helga’s parents didn’t want her to go because she didn’t know how to swim, and they were scared of what would happen if there was an accident.

One day, Helga got tired of her parents telling her what to do, and decided to go whale watching despite their wishes. So, Helga snuck on the next boat that was touring the fjord. Once the boat left the harbor, Helga saw so many whales! It was the best day of her life. But at one point, one of the whales was a little too close to the boat, and when it leaped out of the water, the boat violently rocked from side to side. Helga was standing near the edge of the deck and she fell in the water!

Helga started drowning and had no idea what to do since she didn’t know how to swim. Then, all of the sudden, one of the whales told her to grab onto his fin, and he swam her back to the shore! Helga thanked her savior, and after the incident and when the water was warm enough, Helga and the whale would go swimming.

Postcard from Akureyi