It’s a ship, not a boat. It’s a voyage, not a cruise. It’s site thinking, not sight seeing.
So far my experience at sea has been wonderful! During the first night of orientation (February 4) I learned a few interesting facts about the “global village” I recently became a part of. With 702 students aboard the ship, we beat the record for the largest semester ever. With over 1,000 bodies aboard, we range from 7 months old to 91 years of age!! Business is the #1 major on the ship with Psychology positioned in a close second. Colorado ranks first with the largest number of participants and all fifty states are represented as well as various countries including Puerto Rico, China, Switzerland, Canada, and Germany. I feel sooo privileged to sail aboard the MV Explorer for a 101 day journey!
Today (February 5) was the first full day at sea. Waking up in the morning is interesting when you realize you are floating along in a giant ship! Looking out the window and seeing nothing but blue ocean and white clouds seems almost unreal. After eating breakfast with my new roommate Becky, I sat outside for a while (pinching myself) enjoying the beautiful view of vast ocean and clear skies. Then it was off to orientation: safety briefs from the Captain, honor code requirements, and all the minute details of the next 100 days. We’ve been advised by Dean Mike to examine our assumptions, critically think about our conceptual lens of the world, and look closely at our common world view. He provided a quote from Mark Twain to get us thinking:
“It ain’t what you don’t know, it’s what you think you know that just ain’t so”
We’ve been challenged to keep things in perspective, make learning a focus, and be open and flexible.
Later, we attended our first global studies class and learned the theme for the semester: Patterns of conflict and paths to peace in a diverse world. I look forward to observing this theme in ports of call while truly appreciating the unique cultures we visit, celebrating their diversity and embracing their differences. I also look forward to meeting individuals that make up Semester At Sea, reserving judgments and always seeking the positive.
I have already met some wonderful friends! Tonight after dinner, we all got together in the lounge and did arts and crafts! We had colored pencils, markers, stickers, glitter, hemp, and string. Everyone had fun being silly and letting out some creative energy. I’m sure each night there will be new activities and groups that form for positive entertainment while at sea!
Tomorrow is the first full day of classes. I had the opportunity to meet a few of my professors today and I’m excited and energized about tomorrow!
What a truly wonderful experience I have ahead; it’s almost too good to be true!
Love you all!
P.S. Just so everyone knows, internet access is limited, not to mention slow! Posts may be less frequent than I had anticipated but know that I will be thinking of all of you and missing you along the way (especially you, Mom and Dad)!
P.P.S. I haven’t been sick yet. At times I feel a little queasy but a little fresh air does the trick. I’ve been wearing my pressure point wristbands and I haven’t had to take any medication!
Monday, February 5, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
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