November 15, 2023

The Coolest Trip!

In January, Tim Tuten, daughter Anna Tuten and sister Twyla Tuten embarked on a two-week expedition into the majestic wilderness of Antarctica. Beyond getting up close with Adélie penguins, leopard seals and humpback whales, the University of South Carolina Alumni Association trip was a chance to travel to a fascinating part of the world few people ever get to experience — in the company of fellow Gamecocks.

Dear Gamecocks,

This is an opportunity of a lifetime for sure. If you’ve been to six continents, this is checking off No. 7. But it’s more than that. It’s seeing a part of the world that maybe in your younger years you might not have had a desire to learn about. Just to see the wildlife — you’re not going to experience some of the things Anna and Twyla and I have experienced anywhere else. And it’s beautiful. I can’t think of a better word to describe it. If you can swing it one time, do it. That’s all it takes.

Go Gamecocks!
Tim Tuten, ’83, math and computer science

Dear Gamecock family!

I’m kind of in awe. Antarctica is one of those places we’ve all seen pictures of — I mean, thank you Google! But it’s so different when you step out on the deck of the ship. You can feel the air, you get the whole experience. It’s just very untouched. I knew that, but it’s different to see it — and I know it sounds kind of silly, but to smell it, because it’s just cold, fresh air. I just think this is how God created the earth, what it looked like before we did all these things to it. You see everything in its natural state. It’s really pretty cool.

Forever to thee,

Anna Tuten, ’16, international business and supply chain operations