MODERN LEARNING
Turns Out I'm Old School
The Modern Learning I refer to is on-line classes and examinations with no human contact whatsoever. While I see the benefits and opted to participate, I feel like it may lack a few crucial components of education.
The online classes are convenient and flexible. I have been considering becoming a Coast Guard Licensed Charter Captain predominantly so that we can offer paid Charters on STEADFAST in the future. Decades ago she was one of the first vessels to show people St. John, US Virgin Islands, and when we acquired her she was touring the Penobscot Bay in Maine. A few of you may have even partaken of the “Bed & Biscuit” hospitality program whenever she participated in the Wooden Boat Shows in Mystic, Connecticut. Her broad decks, roomy saloon, forward bunks and pilothouse are perfect for visitors. And, as most of you already know, I want as many folks as possible to experience THE WOODEN BOAT PHENOMENON, lest they doubt.
In early January I took a good look at the long range weather forecast and decided it was the perfect time to occupy myself inside. My thin blood runs cold when winter freezes my tiny toes, so I became student and support crew for this repair job: cozy, warm, and stir-crazy. Yes, stir-crazy, but I got it done.
On Thursday I finished the final portion of my on-line proctored exam (which is a tad eerie; you know someone’s watching you but you have no idea who….). I’ll let you know next week if I absorbed all that material through those modern methods and regurgitated it as required. The 360 days of onboard experience was by far the more difficult set of lessons, and much preferred even though I tend to learn the hard way, if you know what I mean. Plenty of bruises and huge quantities of humility are involved. Perhaps you would consider making reservations when the time comes; that would be an honor.
On Friday, I wandered around the boatyard, happy to be back outside where I belong as another plank was steamed and clamped into place. The thermometer had crawled above freezing and it was energizing to be there, reestablishing connections, filling stale lungs with fresh air and getting moving again. Two weeks inside was much too long.
I think you’ll appreciate why I’m tucking my Mac away for a couple of days, and I appreciate you following along on another passage. ~J
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Oh wow! I've got everything crossed for you! But just wow already for everything you've achieved!
Janice, I'm just getting to this now and hoping you've received good news. No matter what, a round of wild applause goes out to you for being willing to take this on. I can see it being a terrific addition to your Steadfast repertoire once you are underway again.