SEAmester Fall 2011 has come to an end. Reflecting back on the 10 week long program, I realize that each and everyone of us have gained something so unique and, otherwise, unattainable by any other means. As a last assignment, Anna Myers & I had the students write hypothetical letters to someone that is considering SEAmester, here is a small selection of what they had to say:
“Right off the bat I would have to say this program is not for the faint of heart. With long work hours and new rules, my first impression of this trip was, ‘What did I get myself into?’. But after a while the way of life at sea began to grow on me. The way everyone depends on each other and shares in the rewards and consequences, It brings you closer together. A boat full of complete strangers becomes a family.”
– AMY WYMAN, Student, University of Maine.
“..Through SEAmester, I have gone through a steady stream of personal growth through hard work, dedication and a new appreciation for the small things in life. I learned to appreciate the small comforts I take advantage of while I’m at home in everyday life and am more environmentally conscious of my surroundings and carbon footprint.”
– HANNAH BERTA, Student, University of Maine
“SEAmester is one of the most worthwhole things I’ve ever done. That said, I should clarify that a large portion of what made it worthwhile was that it was incredibly difficult. Hardship after hardship occurred, I was under-rested most of the trip and it was a lot of hard work…There have been tears of frustration and exhaustion, and tears from seasickness for that matter. However, very few experiences will offer such a powerful combination of challenges and beauty. You will see and do amazing things. The ocean has infinite moods, combinations of frothy green with faint wind ripples to deep fathomless blue swells twenty feet high. Flying fish soar above the surface, dolphins flank below the bow, sunsets out of this world fill the evenings and brilliant starscapes fill the night…Everyday is exquisite. You will sail through turquoise water past foreign cities. You will work and work and smile and smile.”
– LINDSEY ERICKSON, Student, College of the Atlantic
“.. I have certainly learned things in my onboard classes, but I must be honest and say that I think I would have learned more in a traditional college setting. The learning done here though is largely non-traditional and thus can’t be measured against traditional learning. Here instead of simply learning about reefs and invasive species, you will see them and truly understand them. You can learn about the importance of mangroves and their importance to young fish but until you see one you will not completely know what it is. The learning goes beyond this though. You learn about yourself, both who you are and who you want to be. You learn about your limits, and then you learn to push these limits and you find out what you are truly capable of.”
– BENJAMIN SEGEE, Student, University of Maine
And for a taste of my own medicine, here is what I would say to anyone considering an educator position on an Ocean Classroom trip. For starters, be prepared to learn. Yes, you’ll be teaching but you will learn so much more. Be ready to absorb it all, be open to new ideas and ways of life. Engage yourself in all aspects of schooner school life. Everything you will teach will be reinforced. Plan, plan, plan, as much as you can prior to the trip. Yet, be flexible. The sail course changes, port days and destinations waver and classes take a back seat to ship safety during rough weather. In the end always remember, as an educator (or a crew member), you must maintain your “game face” at all times, no matter if you are sea sick, horribly sleep deprived or emotionally drained. In the end have fun and be ready to learn a whole lot about not only your subject but also about your self.
For instance, I now better comprehend my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to teaching, learning, expressing, caring and loving. It has filled my heart to see the people and relationships flourish around me. I have never considered myself as a “people person”, Falling in love with Spirit was easy but I am so happy to find myself now in love with each and everyone that has been on this trip. You will all be missed dearly.
- MAHIMA JAINI, Educator
Spirit of Massachusetts
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The blue brick streets and bilingual barrios of Old San Juan set the stage for the final days of SEAmester 2011. Students and crew balanced relief and celebration alongside wisps of inevitability and sadness. Happy tears and smiles hung from their faces as they reflected on the past few adventurous and fulfilling months.
