Launch Penelope’s Cruise into Life and Learning

My whole life has been a story of mud, sun, and water. The earth and I are good friends. I learn best fully immersed in earth’s elements, when I am doing something physical or am in a memorable place, living, learning, and working through hands-on-experiences. Most learning models don’t accommodate kinesthetic learning like mine, but I have found the perfect fit!

My application has been accepted by Seamester, a study abroad, gap-year program. I hope to spend an entire college semester sailing 6,500 nautical miles aboard a 112-foot schooner while completing 12 college credits in Marine Biology, Nautical Science, Oceanology, and Leadership, as well as working towards important safety and sailing certifications. The classroom schooner sets sail from Antigua, traverses the Caribbean, navigates through the historic Panama Canal, stops for study in the Galapagos Islands, and then sails for 20 uninterrupted days on a transoceanic passage across the equator and down to Tahiti. The Seamester experience is designed to be challenging mentally and physically, and there are built-in service opportunities with native communities along the way.

While the voyage will be the trip of a lifetime, my goal is to gain clarity on my purpose and life’s work. Should I study marine biology? Should I pursue a career as a captain, a marine engineer, an ocean rescue expert, guide, or some other path I have not even considered? In what way can I contribute to those around me in a meaningful way? This will not be a short recreational jaunt, but a long, demanding sea voyage that will allow me to deeply explore these options and potentially set my path for life.

After diligently working in retail for more than a year, I have earned almost half the tuition cost. While it is a start, and I continue to work full time, I won’t be able to set sail without your help. Donations will be used to cover academic tuition, certification fees, room and board, and travel expenses. I, in return, will be humbly grateful to you and seek to return that generosity to others. Meeting physical challenges is natural for me, but daring to hope is another matter. You can give me hope for my future!

I appreciate your consideration more than words can express. If you believe this is a worthy endeavor, but aren’t able to donate at this time, please consider forwarding this link to friends and family who might want to help. Thank you so much!

See videos at: seamester.com/videos