Ander Edens is passionate about photography. Edens, for his senior project, captured footage of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree harvest on Zarembo Island last fall. He will attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks to study mechanical engineering after graduating this May.
In most instances, the tenor saxophone lies under the surface. It's the wind blowing over the ocean - the invisible force that brings life to the world's waves. It acts as a railway, offering a platform for a jazz ensemble to thrive.
In a way, the tenor sax - one of Ander Edens' artistic mediums of choice - is the perfect instrument for the graduating senior. He's someone who enjoys working outside the limelight, in roles that frequently go underappreciated, despite their necessity for a successful final product.
His senior project is a good example. Edens collaborated with T3 (Teaching Through Technology), the U.S. Forest Service and Upward Bound to create and collect photos and video of the harvest of last year's U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on Zarembo Island. Edens was even given security clearance to travel with the team and film the tree's harvest on site.
Behind the camera, Edens told the story of the tree, supplying videos, photos and drone footage to the T3 team to share with the public. For him, photography is both a passion and a hobby. It's also something he hopes to explore semi-professionally.
As for what he hopes to explore professionally, Anders is passionate about design - specifically mechanical engineering and systems building. Thanks to Wrangell's unique demands, 3D design is already something Edens has been able to explore.
"A lot of people need boat parts," he said. "So, there have been times where I've been asked to model door hinges or latches for boats and then manufacture those on 3D printers."
After he graduates from high school this May, Edens has his next four years planned out. He's going to work for Alaska Vistas on its tours of Wrangell's outdoor attractions and continue to help with the T3 students' work at Anan Wildlife Observatory this summer. In the fall, he will attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he will begin a four-year program in mechanical engineering.
Once again, Edens' interests take him out of the spotlight.
"I don't love the spotlight," he said. "I just really like understanding what happens underneath. I like seeing the pretty photo, but I wonder what happens underneath. I like looking at an engine and hearing it and seeing it run, but how does it run? What makes it a good engine?"
After earning his degree, Anders would like to venture down south, maybe to Virginia where his grandfather grew up. But eventually, he hopes to come back to Wrangell.
"It would be nice to come back. We'll see where it is in 15 years," he said.
"Are you optimistic about that?" I asked.
"Cautiously," he replied. "Cautiously optimistic."
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