Staff Training, Prep, and SETTING SAIL!!!

It has been a whirlwind of events and planning as we prepared to welcome students and get started with the voyage of a lifetime. Since January 9th, once we got on board it has been non-stop… but unlike thoughts that people have about full day trainings, this is different because you go through the motions in about 2 days instead of a week or more for the general pro-staff or student staff training experiences. But I will talk more about that a little later.

Nassau was beautiful and I had a really nice stay there – it was like any other small vacation break to the Caribbean, beautiful beach, nice pool. The only difference about Nassau is that Downtown shuts down at sundown (Around 7pm) and the nightlife or any type of life, in general, seems to happen at the Atlantis Casino and Resort - which pretty much resembles a Las Vegas Casino or the Borgata. It is super nice, tons of tourists and people from all over. They tout that they have an amazing aquarium but didn’t get to see much because I went after things closed and it was at night, but I did wander the compound with my new colleagues and did more “getting to know you” than gamble (actually didn’t gamble at all)… and took in the sights, I guess it was more of a great backdrop to the relationship and team building for us.

On the 9th was our time to board the ship to start training, since then I haven’t set foot on land. I looked at it as I took breaks outside but didn’t have time or got a chance to get off the ship… which was ok. For 3.5 days we trained and went over as much as we could – but I realized the other day that this is a “address or tend as we go” type of system since you never know what could happen. Without boring you to death, training dealt with the general information we need, language on the ship (such as nautical ship terms as well as unique policies to the SHIP (not boat or cruise)… and where things are. So lets cover a few areas people might have questions about.

My Room – it’s awesome. All the staff have cabins that are generally double occupancy cabins (not rooms) and we have steward service everyday. My steward’s name (btw, steward is Housekeeping). Is Don and he is awesome, he gave me the ins and outs of living in the cabin and without asking (but it was on my list of things to do) he put the two double beds together to make a larger bed for me… although I sleep on one side and it really doesn’t matter, I guess it is nice to be able to have the larger option. The cabin comes equipped with everything I need, maybe more… like a showerhead that I can detach but really… my concern was about the water pressure, which was better than I expected. And yes, you can drink the water that comes out of the faucet – it does taste different – it has a slight tinge of chlorine-flavor and a metallic after-taste, but honestly… once I put an Emergen-C in it, its fine. I also like the size, its perfect and is accustoming me to the possible studio that I will/may get when I return to New York (if I get a job in the city)... And I brought just enough stuff that I will be fine for 3-4 months...

The Ship – I keep getting lost, but I honestly think that is going to happen the entire trip. I did figure out the most important places…such as getting to the main programmatic and academic spaces, where the public bathrooms are, the smoking area and the fasted route from my cabin to this particular area, and the dining hall – the eating area is in the AFT of the ship (which is the back) and my room is 3rd Deck (floor) forward (or front)… you like how I am integrating the ship terms? I need to get used to them so might as well write them for practice… right? It is funny because it used to be cruise liner, so the Casino is the Library, the Banquet Room is the Lecture Hall and such. The Captain is the ruler of the ship and whatever he says goes and he is to be respected and revered. He is a very funny but also presents a command that everyone tends to – although that might be because he is already in the role and we are told these expectations before hand – but the students, staff, and faculty seems to treat him the same… with respect, period. The silence… I wish I could have the Captain with me when I am talking to a group of rowdy people… because it would be silent in a hot-minute. As for the food.. its pretty good.. I am not a finicky eater so it really meets my needs, but who knows… I heard that in a month or so it doesn’t get as appetizing as it used to be – but coming from dining hall food… this ain’t bad.

STUDENTS ARRIVE! How exciting and scary… it was like move-in day again but in a different way… doing ResLife for a couple years, you expect to have certain measures ready, but this is different… if the weather is bad (like it was in Atlanta) and someone has a flight delayed or cancelled, you have to create a contingency plan unlike a residence hall… because you can just say, “No worries, you can check in until next week.” But here, since we have another departure time to set sail… plans need to be changed. For us, we pushed back the time to set sail to 8pm, so I don’t really have good pics but it was awesome to just feel the boat below and see how this all happens. Anyway, I digress… the students, they are like I had imagined, like any other campus there are students who are excited and can’t wait to jump in, students who put up the cool front because that is their method of operation to gain friends, or those who are reserved shy. Many personalities, many colleges and universities, and many questions. All in all, great and the same… but also different. As for staff, I have been assigned an RA and a Program Assistant… the RA helps me with administrative detail and community building, no crisis or duty… which I think is cool… She is awesome, from ASU and is a Teaching and Learning major. My Program assistant is from Colorado and he will be helping me with the ins and outs of my functional responsibilities as the Academic Success LLC (Living Learning Coordinator). For anonymity’s sake, I will leave it at that, but I am sure you will see pictures of them shortly. The best part was meeting their parents and families as they start this voyage… the fears, excitement, nervousness, and most of all, the look on their faces as they know that a staff member will have a direct connection with them… and yes, obviously, I will be taking care of them along the way.

SETTING SAIL… so we hit the water and my biggest fear up until now is sea sickness. Luckily I got the patch and Meclizine (sea sick pills) are given out like candy. I haven’t had any sickness and slightly enjoy the rocking in my cabin, I know I am tired from all the events and festivities from the start of the voyage but I fell asleep pretty quick. A lot of students are sick and several have gotten really sick – but none of the staff or faculty seem to be too impacted. I was grateful since I had to lead a meeting in front of my Sea of 93 students…. So… ok, we also did a Life Boat Drill which I was excited about but also didn’t realize that since I have one of the biggest SEAS (or floors) that my lifeboat drill will also have just as many and some more… let me share how the boat drill works quickly – you hear the sirens, you grab the life vest, it has a number that corresponds to where you line up… you go to that station and line up in front of the boat… single file, squeezed together, and complete silence to hear directions. I have the opportunity to read names.. some people had 55 names, average… 70. I had 130… So I asked the boat captain… how many people fit in that boat and am I the largest group? And he replies “130 max… and you are section A1… so they picked you as the best for these emergencies… you must be good at emergencies” I kinda took it as a complement but also freaked me out a bit, but I guess I qualified that as we need to do roll call to ensure all parties are not missing… as he begins to hand me the megaphone… I tell him its ok and that I can use my voice… Well…. I think I also surprised them because I called out all 129 (I was also on the roster) without a hitch… it was also nice because now the students saw me before we did the first meeting together… so I got some clout that way… hahaha.. Ok, check in, life boat drill, first meetings, and staff and faculty orientations….done!

So, it’s off to Dominica (I heard the official way to pronounce it is DAH-MI-NEE-KAH)… but that can be challenged, I suppose. So the first 2 days at sea we have student orientation to acclimate students to the ship, give them information about everything from conduct to field trips and classes. And then we head into port… and then the travels begin. I am pretty excited as I get to lead a trip to Tralfagar Falls and hike a few trails. I wasn’t bumped from any trips so I am pretty stoked, so if you talked to me about my trips while in port, then know that I am going to all of them… from Amazon and Rio to the hike up to the Great Wall…. Can’t wait! Peronsally, I am also excited to open each of the cards as my ritual that friends signed and Katrina gave to me... Also, yes, I am wearing the GREEN bandana although I am the YELLOW Sea.. each grouping of living communities are titles "SEAS" and I am the YELLOW SEA! We are one of the biggest... and after last night's meeting I have a feeling we have a good chance at winning the Sea Olympics and having great connections and memories with my residents... (BIG SMILE).

Well, that’s all for now… I have a lot of other things on my mind specific to work, but who wants to hear about that? Right? So basically, I will be narrowing the scope of this blog to the travels I have and the people I meet… and adding cool pictures. Sorry that I talked a lot about work on this entry – that has consumed me so far and I had a few minutes to write as we do alcohol education and policy review… LOL. I am literally outside the Lecture Hall listening but typing away… Once we port in Dominica and start my travels, will post more!

BTW.. the internet is not as bad as I thought but it is definitely slow… but patience is a virtue and I am hoping to gain more virtues during this voyage. Miss you all and hope all is well where you are. ALSO!!! If you are curious about something – the voyage, ship, etc… feel free and ask in the comments section! I will do my best to answer ya back! Pics will come a bit later... sorry!

Nassau!

Touchdown! I have landed in Nassau, Bahamas and it is beautiful. The people are super friendly and I was slightly afraid of carting all the luggage around. From JFK to Nassau there was always a friendly person who was ready to help me with a cart - I mean, it is their job but still it was way easier than I had imagined. I was afraid the snow in NYC would put a wrinkle in my getting to the Bahamas but we got out before it started impacting air traffic, thank you Mother Nature!

I totally forgot that the Wyndham was a casino resort so guess what I am going to do tonight? For those who don't know me - I do like the dabble in adult gaming and love casino buffets... so what a great way to start this adventure. LOL! But yes folks, I am also here to work - contrary to popular belief, but I will let all the responsibilities and expectations come once orientation commences. For now, I get a day to play... so why not?

Also, I hesitated if I should get a smoking room or not, but after some contemplation I decided to just do it since I will be alone in the room. So after asking the desk attendant about the smoking rooms she says "Just go for it, plus I have a room with a balcony and it overlooks the pool and our lovely beach... and all other non-smoking rooms face the parking area." So... with a little arm twisting (kinda) I decided to take the smoking room... (stop shaking your heads and tsk-ing me!)....

I am going to change into some board shorts and a t-shirt (its 72 degrees, if anyone wants to know) and wander the compound so I can get a lay of the land... and maybe ill try my hand in Black Jack and grab a bite to eat. I think after my tour of the hotel it may just sink in that this is happening and I am really about to begin this journey. The feeling I have with regard to missing people is pretty heavy but it balanced out by my imagination and thoughts of whats to come - and the nice view from my hotel helps too... more to come (since I paid for the internet for 24 hours, might as well post again tomorrow!). For now, here is a pic from my hotel room balcony... enjoy!

The countdown...

So, today is my last day at work and it is very bittersweet... I have been realizing the I am not that good with goodbyes, but I guess theres no good way to say goodbye to those you love and will miss dearly. However, its good to know that I will be back in approximately 4 months and the adventure I am about to embark on will provide me with wondeful people and reconnections with old friends.

My trip will start in Nassau, Bahamas a few days early so I have some down time and reflection to myself. Once there I will probably soak in the sun as I leave the colder climate in NY. It sounds odd but people tell me how great it is that I get to escape the frigid weather but I kind of like it - not going to lie. The cold weather isn't that bad - the only thing I get worried about is slipping, which I have never had the pleasure.

As the time comes closer I have a few more things to take care of and do... grab dinner with some homies, peruse Duane Reade for any last minute thing-a-ma-gigs... especially in Yellow... since I was just assigned to the "Yellow Sea" - the Seas are similar to your "floor" for an RA... so basically, all those students who reside in the Yellow Sea area of the ship are my residents. I really hope they are ready because I have a few things in store for them, from community building to just making it the most outrageous, exciting, unforgettable living environment. I will continue to further explain the unique aspects of Semester at Sea through the blog so people can follow... but for now... the next time I post should be when we depart Nassau to head into the Amazon River and Brazil... lets hope I haven't gotten sea sick by then ;)

10 Days Until Training! Some thoughts...

Ok folks, so I decided to start early so I can start warming myself up to the blog and get used to the practice of writing my thoughts and posting entries. I must admit, the last time I did this was about 6 years ago on Xanga... so it has been a while since I journaled anything.

So its 10 days until I head out to Nassau for training. I am excited, nervous, anxious, and just overall overwhlemed in all aspects of the word. From my job responsibilities to the personal journey that I am about to face. I guess the reality is that this is the next chapter of my life (although quite brief) that I will face that has been described as "life changing," "thought provoking," "personally challenging," and all other phrases that describe an opportunity of a lifetime that is rooted in international travel and exposure to a diverse array of cultures and environments that I have never seen or experienced, ever.

Packing is not the issue, although some may argue that packing is the most vital, my major issue or concern is that I am prepared to do a good job, take time to soak in the adventure (hence the blog), and also focus on the importance of the exprience. It's all about balance - and since I have one shot to do this... I don't want to mess it up... anyway... since this is really a starter entry, I think I am going to stop writing here as my mind is already racing as I continue to write this to seek answers to my posed questions and themes to think about...