Final Reflections

I’m writing this final reflection on Monday, August 30, two days before my senior year officially begins. So I’ve had an entire summer to process my Semester at Sea experience, for whatever that’s worth. Suppose I’ll get right to it.

I’ll start by saying that I didn’t have any single life-changing moment. I don’t think many people did. I’m not sure if I expected I’d have one, but I think part of me wanted to. It certainly would have been nice to have had some “aha!” revelation and discover something awesome about myself and, in turn, the key to happiness. But, alas, I had no such moment and made no such discovery. I did take away some pretty cool things, though, and, if I may, dear readers, I’ll take the opportunity to expand upon them here.

The most noticeable change is my newfound love of travel. The metaphorical travel bug has metaphorically bit me. On my metaphorical heart. Traveling is probably my new favorite thing to do. If it weren’t so outrageously expensive, I’d do it all the time.

In terms of changes to the way I think, I suppose that my incredible privilege has been somewhat put into perspective. I’ve witnessed, first hand, the horrendous living conditions of abject poverty. Billions of people suffer through these conditions, living with an entire family in a one-room hut without plumbing or electricity. It’s insane to think about, and, honestly, impossible for me to comprehend. I can try to imagine it, but I simply cannot grasp the real sense without living it.

Now, you’re probably wondering, how has your expanded (yet still thoroughly limited) perspective changed the way you think and live on a day-to-day basis? In short, it’s taught me to better appreciate the things I have, which in turn makes me happier.

Unfortunately, this has only happened to a degree. Before the voyage, I imagined that, after Semester at Sea, my life would be problem free. Anytime I had a problem, I’d just think how lucky I am to not be living in Chennai, India, where the streets are dirty and life is cheap. And, quite honestly, that is what I should do. But I’d be lying if I told you that it is what I do

In terms of my sense of self, I’m significantly more confident since returning from the voyage. I think the change can be attributed to a host of factors. Socially, I was very popular on the ship, more popular than I’d ever been in my life. As I mentioned before, and I honestly don’t mean to sound cocky when I say this (Editor’s Note: though I probably sound cocky, anyhow), I had a sort of quasi-celebrity status on the ship. Not that people looked up to me or gossiped about me or anything like that. But I had my creativity complimented almost daily, which certainly made me feel good about myself. Plus things went well with girls, which was huge for that aspect of my confidence, particularly after the all the difficulty I’d had after a bad breakup with my ex-girlfriend Ali.

Speaking of confidence in my creative abilities, I have spent significant time pursuing creative endeavors since returning. I’m learning piano; I can currently play all of “Let it Be,” and parts of “If I Had Eyes” (by Jack Johnson) and “How to Pick up a Latin Chick” (by Tolan and Max). I’m learning two types of dance this coming semester; African Dance and Hip-Hop. Tolan and I are going to perform at open mics throughout this year, we’ll see if anything comes of it. And I keep saying I’ll stick with drawing and painting, though thus far it’s been all lies.

I think that pretty much covers the ways I’ve changed. I talked it over with Nick, and he said he didn’t notice anything else. So, I’ll close with advice for future Semester at Sea Adventure-ers, which I’m mainly noting should my children/little sister want to sail. And, because it’s easier and I’ve already written a ton on this blog/journal, I’m doing it in bullet points.

• Travel independently in port. Semester at Sea trips are much worse, in comparison. You have no control over who comes or over the itinerary. Plus, nearly every trip can be purchased independently, for less, through a travel agency. But do read through the SAS trips, as you might come across a gem set up by a professor, like I did with Arte Consciente.
• Keep some days unplanned. Look up a cool spot in a port city and go there. Then just see where the day takes you. You’ll meet some fun and interesting people, which is the most fun part of traveling.
• Sporting equipment is one of the best gifts you can give underprivileged children. Food, candy, stickers, none of that lasts. But if you get them a soccer ball, they can use it for years. And you’ll get to play with them, plus you’ll score some sweet pictures afterward.
• When you’re in port, put yourself out there! Almost everyone I talked to was friendly; people really like to meet Americans. But it’s rare that you’ll get approached, so it’s on you to start the conversation.
• Don’t bother with the in-port SAS parties. On a typical night out, word will spread where people are going, and everyone will go to that bar. 20 years after you sail, will you have wanted to experience an authentic night out in Vietnam, or to have gotten drunk with a bunch of American college kids?
• Take advantage of that social reset button. Nobody on that ship knows you, so be whoever the hell you’d like to be. You’re going to be living in close quarters with your shipmates for three and a half months, and then you’re not going to see most of them again. So go wild. In fact, two kids on my voyage went by different names, just for fun.
• Bring packaged snacks, cereal, and your favorite spreads. The food on the ship gets really boring really fast. Nutella was a favorite, though I’d also recommend bringing your favorite salsa.
• Get to know the lifelong learners. If a 70 year old wants to sail around the world with a bunch of college students, chances are he or she is the man or woman. So make them your friends, they’re wise. (Editor’s Note: Caution: Lifelong Learners may be boring).
• Bring Pepto Bismol. A lot of people got Traveler’s D.
• If there’s a soccer game when you’re in Brazil, go.