A name I have heard many times: Simon Fraser. I have driven through the Fraser Valley, fished on the Fraser River, and even considered attending Simon Fraser University. Despite all this, I didn’t know how significant his contribution was to the exploration of British Columbia. He and his men were the first Europeans to explore the area around my hometown. That made my document analysis my favorite assignment I did all semester, in any course. “The letters and journals of Simon Fraser” was the primary source I used. Seeing Fraser’s writing about Fort Fraser and Fort St. James (communities only a few hundred kilometers from home), made me take a step back and see how incredible Fraser’s accomplishments were. I couldn’t imagine living as a pioneer in that environment. The fact that he and his men relied only on their own tools and strength to survive those winters is truly a testament to human toughness. I love my home, and this assignment made me appreciate it that much more.