Keara Fenzel
SEA Semester Class:
C-244 (Colonization to Conservation in the Caribbean, Fall 2012)
College/University:
Hamilton College
Major/Minor:
Government
SEA Semester Research Focus:
Scientific Research - Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Humanities Research - The Economic Impact of Environmental Regulation
Why did you choose SEA Semester?
I had originally been planning to spend the semester in Washington DC doing an internship program, but when I heard all of the exciting places my friends were going, I felt like spending my junior year in the US was a little too . . . safe. This was my one opportunity to do something completely crazy and totally out of my comfort zone, and to spend it three hours away from my house was not the experience I needed. When I got an email asking if I “wanted to try something totally new for the semester” I immediately got on the website and applied. That was the best decision I’ve made all year.
What was the singular most memorable moment of your SEA Semester experience?
I could make a list of life changing moments I had on bow watch, but as our first mate advised, always reconsider life choices made on bow watch once you’re back on land (so don’t worry mom, I’m not actually becoming a rasta). I think the most memorable moment was in the beginning of Swizzle when Sully read us an excerpt from a book about sailing. The author talked about how everything in the beginning was so hard and there were so many rules (and how everything was always moving!), and that it took him until the end of his trip to realize why that had to be. He talked about working for the group instead of for your individual ego. I felt like this passage summed up everything that I had been feeling in a better way than I could have expressed it. And as I looked around the quarterdeck and saw everyone’s eyes brimming with tears, I realized that it had done the same for all of my shipmates. We really had been in this together.
What were the strongest aspects of SEA Semester?
Definitely the community. I learned to trust people and rely on people in such a healthy way, which is something that is not encouraged in my land life.
What were the most challenging aspects of SEA Semester?
It’s difficult to separate the challenges and the strengths, because being challenged was what helped me grow so much. For me, being out of contact with my family and friends was really hard. Usually I am glued to my phone, and always aware of what is going on at home, especially during the holidays. In the beginning, when I was seasick and exhausted and hot, all I wanted to do was call my mom and have her comfort me. But by being disconnected from the outside world, I was a lot more present in what I was doing, and I think I got a ton more out of my relationships on board.
Words of advice for future SEA Semester students?
Keep a journal. Just do it.