I knew that this day would come. I have been putting it off, ignoring it, pretending it wouldn't happen. I thought perhaps that if I didn't think about it, I wouldn't have to face reality. Sure, there were gentle reminders, the whispering in my ear that the clock was ticking. I brushed them aside, thinking "It's only October, it's only November, it's only..." But now the time has come.
It is time to write a blog about badgers.
Yes, badgers.
The gentle reminders? The ticking clock? Did you really think they were referring to the end of my internship? The reality is that I made a promise to my cousin Noah over a year ago, just as I began thinking about applying for this internship, that if I indeed went to work for National Geographic, I would write an article about badgers for him. He is a badger-fanatic, and feels that these furry guys just don't get enough press. I assured him that I if the opportunity presented itself, (not thinking it ever would) I would most surely write something about Meles meles.
Badger Victory #1: I got the internship.
Badger Set-Back #1: I was assigned to the Education Programs. "Sorry, Noah. Didn't get placed in the Magazine. Doesn't look like I'll be writing anything any time soon."
Badger Victory #2: The My Wonderful World blog. "Noah! I get to write for an NG blog! Badgers here we come!"
Badger Set-Back #2: I know absolutely nothing about badgers.
MWW learned about Alexandra Ramaeker Zahn, a 12-year-old from Iowa who has written four novels, through a friend's encounter with the her mother at a conference. Following the lead from our friend, we called Alexandra to learn more about her stories, which span the geography of the U.S. and Europe.
Alexandra is a middle school student who participates in multiple sports, as well as Mock Trial, Destination Imagination, Junior Achievement, Jazz Band and Chorus. She has traveled to 18 states and 2 countries with her family. She enjoys learning, in detail, facts about each of the places she has been to. She is curious about other cultures, landscapes, the science of things, and the dynamics of friendships.
Can you tell me the titles of the four novels you've written and give a brief synopsis of each?
Moving Streak is the story of an 8th grade girl named Abby who moves around the United States--to South Dakota, Iowa, and North Carolina. She doesn't know if she really fits in because she moves around so much. By the end of the novel, she finds out who her real friends are, and who she really is.
Deep Down Secrets is set in New York City. It is about a popular girl who doesn't really love being popular, and doesn't really know who she's become. With the help of her best friend, she comes to terms with herself.
Best Year Never is the sequel to Deep Down Secrets. It goes deeper into the friendships of the protagonist. Some kids still think she's stereotypically "cool," but others discover that she is different in important ways.
Princess of Anastesia takes place in Italy, in medieval times. It tells the story of a 12-year-old who lives with a farm family, but discovers that her real dad is a king, and she is a princess. Her father had to give her up because his kingdom was fighting a great war, and the enemies were trying to hurt her.
Each month we offer a challenge to MWW members to get involved doing geography; that is, taking an action that requires a geographic perspective or advocating on behalf of geographic education. 
What's in a logo? When it comes to the Olympic games: geography. 
Will Steger, the renowned polar explorer, educator, activist, and National Geographic Explorer in Residence Emeritus, is among the conference attendees. With him is Expedition Copenhagen, a dozen of the Midwest's most dedicated youth, intent on spreading the word about the impacts of climate change and elevating the status of youth voices around the world on this topic. As a Midwesterner myself, I am extremely proud of these young people and their dedication to the environment! 
Many people think of Washington, D.C. as little more than monuments, museums, politicos and government agencies. Our D.C.-based MWW team regularly strives to quash such misconceptions by exposing the rich cultural geography of our home town. We also champion initiatives like the Our City Film Festival.
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