We were delighted to hear from AC 91 alum Alison Fast recently. She sent us a lovely email that reminded us why we do what we do.

Dear Deer Hill staff (Doug & Bev & family):

Almost 20 years after my experience with Deer Hill, it remains a shining light and inspiration for the work I do today. I am a documentary filmmaker and teach others the art of storytelling all around the world. I find myself speaking about how closely linked are the inner and outer landscapes of our lives and encounters. When the stories we tell are stories from the heart, they have the power to transform others. I have also found myself connecting with Native American communities in California and continue to participate in sweat lodge ceremonies, and to carry a respect for the earth with me. Quite literally, I feel and know her heartbeat to be my own. That sense of respect for her and for the spirits of the land- the rocks and water- and all life that dwells inside and outside of myself, was born through several rites of passage, one of them being Deer Hill. It has shaped me profoundly. So thank you to all past and future leaders and youth who keep the spirit of Deer Hill alive and well. We have you to thank for the strength and wisdom of our future generations.

Alison Fast

We checked out Alison’s website here. Turns out she has had a fascinating career in the media so far, using television production and other approaches to help and empower people in developing countries to tell their stories. She has worked with organizations like PBS, Barefoot Media, and NBC, and won a Peabody award for her documentary “For My Country? Young Latinos in the Military”. If you have an interest in media and advocacy, you might find Alison’s fun and creative site inspirational.