As I write this, the students of C-284 are breaking down the posters they created to reflect on-site observations they made and the conversations they had with people regarding their individual projects in our five port stops.

This is it! The crux of anxieties and pressure as due dates arrive and we approach the long-anticipated ‘Puke-atan’ (Thank you, Beth Doxsee for that turn of phrase <3).

I can’t help reflecting back on memories of these final, stressful days from my own student trip, especially as we were joined in Grand Cayman by one of my student-class-mates, Everto! (Sending love to all of S242!)

March 18th, 2019; Later in the day and into the evening.

Today we celebrated our scientific achievements as each student shared their oceanographic discoveries with their shipmates.  For the last six weeks we have sailed across, immersed ourselves in, and studied this small patch of ocean called the Caribbean Sea; and collectively we have learned so much.

I knew that when I began hearing sail commands in echo in my dreams this was a life-changing experience. Having two years of sea-time helped me cope with the challenges of life on a tall ship. Mostly because I know how your mind goes a little crazy under the strain of the bitter sea which endlessly heaves mariners up, down and around.

Dear Dad,

Happy Birthday! Another year older, but never seeming to slow down. Did you ever think you would be here?

This morning started off like any other morning at anchor with a voice right outside my bunk letting me know it’s 6:30 am and breakfast will be starting in 30 minutes. I know I can get at least 10 more minutes of rest, but it’s a very dangerous game to play because I can’t press the snooze button on a person.

My day began with a gentle wake up at 6 am by Alle, “Good morning June, it’s 6 am. You have breakfast in 20 minutes, then after that you have watch. The weather is very nice outside.” It’s wonderful being able to plop right into bed without needing to turn on an alarm.

The second to last field day of the voyage is scheduled for today, but as I have learned with life aboard, the schedule is always subject to change. Since I am part of A watch, that means I have the joy of cleaning every surface and dish in the galley.

We started a new phase in our watch-standing, having departed Port Antonio, Jamaica a little over twenty-four hours ago.  Now we begin what is called the shadow phase on board, in which a student is selected from the deck team to “shadow” the mate during the entire watch, listening closely to all of the information, as well as calling the set and strike of sails and other maneuvers (with some guidance). We switched the watches as well, so it is a big change on two fronts.