Allen, a 14-year-old from Fairbanks, Ala. is a computer enthusiast. A high school freshman, Allen could benefit from a new computer to complete his homework assignments, but even more importantly to him, he would be able to connect with friends and explore the World Wide Web. Therefore, it came as no surprise when Allen told wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington that his wish was for a new computer.

Thanks to the sponsorship of UAW-GM and other generous contributors, Allen not only received a top-of-the-line computer, but also an interactive computer experience that only a few people ever get to see.

To kick off Allen’s wish experience, he was taken via limousine to the University of Alaska Arctic Regional Supercomputing Center (ARSC) for a private tour. ARSC operates five supercomputers, and during the tour, Allen enjoyed an introduction to supercomputers and how they work.

ARSC’s supercomputers bear such unique names as Yukon, Chilkoot, and Ice Flyer. Along with his younger brother, Allen enjoyed the rare opportunity to enter the room where the supercomputers are stored. The youngsters played with a 3-D virtual reality program and enjoyed a sneak peek at one of ARSC’s most exciting design projects – the Body Language User Interface. The awestruck teen was left speechless on more than one occasion during the amazing tour.

Following the tour, Allen, his family, and some of his new friends had lunch at Allen’s favorite restaurant. Now came the best part of Allen’s wish; upon returning home he was overjoyed to see a brand new Dell Dimension 4500S Desktop computer, complete with Internet access and a variety of new software.

Allen’s new computer will provide years of fun and learning, while his Make-A-Wish^® experience will bring a lifetime of joy and memories.