End of Training

Tues Jan 22 @ 11:15 am

Oops; just learned a lesson. I hit the back button and lost the post that I was writing, so I'll start over. I have forgotten to mention an upgrade (for the first time)-- the staff has unlimited computer access! The broadband that Semester at Sea uses is limited, so of course, we are advised not to abuse this privilege. The wireless does not extend to our cabins, but we have wireless in the Faculty/Staff Lounge. I haven't had a chance to check that out.

The faculty and staff 4-day training is over; yeah! I learned a lot; now to be able to practice what I learned. The 23 work study students boarded yesterday and I met the 2 girls who will be my assistants: Lindsey and Cara. They seem ready to go to work, so I'll depend on them to assist the faculty. The students are in a training session right now for assisting with the 733 students who will be boarding tomorrow. Today at 4:00pm 600 parents will be attending the Parent's Reception--wow, I had no idea so many of them would travel to the Bahamas. I learned a new term: "helicopter parents" (which means they hover over their children). We were told this type of parent is common with this university-age group of students.

Some of you asked about the food on board. The 3 meals that are included in my room and board are healthy, wholesome food (I am having trouble staying away from the desserts!) Snack options; i.e. hamburgers, pizza, soft drinks, etc., are available at additional times for additional costs. The only things I have purchased is a 7-Up for a $1.00 & wine is $3.50/glass (very reasonable). I haven't started my exercise routine because I am still fighting the upper respiratory problem: coughing, etc. This is already a common challenge on board -- to stay healthy & we haven't even sailed yet.

Yesterday I left the ship for a short while. I had intended to take a long walk, but it started raining (& I didn't have my umbrella) so that plan was cut short. The sun is currently shining, so I'll try again after lunch. I will be meeting my work study students for lunch. I have asked them to print out their schedules so I can determine who will work when. They will work an average of 4 hours a day & are enrolled in 12 units. I understand the classes will be quite crowded because of the large # of students.

There is also a program called "Extended Family" where faculty, staff & life-long learners (there will be 12 life-long learners) volunteer to be a student/students extended family during the voyage. I have volunteered for that program.

This voyage's youngest participants are 3 and 4 years old (a faculty member's children). I don't know who is the oldest, but one professor said he was 67 & retired so we have a wide age range.

And tomorrow @ 5:00pm is our sail time. Everyone is eager to get underway and explore Puerto Rico.

till later . . .