| SHIP'S
LOG
Today is going to be a great day. Our
students will reunite with family and friends. They will be given an
opportunity to share their experiences directly, show them around,
and boast their acquired knowledge as they describe the the vessel.
It is interesting to observe their sense of pride and accomplishment,
and listen to their sea stories.
The crew and staff also benefit from
this day because it is in essence the last sea day. As the ship
ties up for the last time, the training staff will have their grades
in. The watch officers who come from all over the country will be
packing to return. The engineering staff will be cooling down the
engines. The ever working galley staff will continue to serve
quality food until the last student is off, but that won't be much
longer. The commandant's staff will also be wrapping up their duties
for another cruise. There is an over all feeling of relief as we
make our way down the Penobscot Bay this afternoon.
As it is has been our tradition on this
cruise, we seem to be bringing the good weather with us. A little
Mediterranean sun shine for the coast of Maine.
I want to thank the readers of the daily
log for following along on our adventures. I hope that you can
appreciate what the daily routine on board the Training Vessel was
like. We are constantly striving to improve our training cruises. But,
what makes a cruise great is not the ports we go to, not the
lessons we put out, not how good the ship looks when we return, or
how efficient the engines are running, it is the attitude of the
students. Positive energy breeds excitement among the staff. When
the students are willing to learn, teaching is a pleasure. We all
agree that this year's cruise, despite some bad luck and changes in
events, has been a good cruise. So, I think it is important to give
credit where credit is due.
We would
like to thank our students for providing us with a good cruise. We
had some very good times, we had some bad, we managed to learn from
each other and shared new experiences together. I want to thank all
of you for a great cruise, and hope you carry your willingness to
learn back with you to the classroom. Some of you are finishing up
your education this year while others are just getting started. Either way, understand this truth in life.
Your attitude good or bad
is contagious. You have the power to be great or less than great. A
positive attitude can move mountains and make getting out of tough
situations easier.
Thank you ship mates I appreciate your
good attitude as well.
To the student's family members, I want
to thank you for entrusting us with task of educating your
loved-ones while they wonder outside of their comfort zones
and experience the world in this very unique way. The changes
you will see in them will be subtle. They have all gained a higher
level of self-confidence more than they realize. Not only have they
explored new cultures, crossed over great bodies of water, but they
have learned how to get along with others. They have developed life
long friendships, and have gained the understanding that in the
shipping world there is no AAA. They must learn to fend for their
ship as a team. Individuals working together to meet a common
goal. There are changes happening, they won't always be apparent,
but they are happening.
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