A Final Reflection

In the last week, we deployed two floats. Trident Seekers, adopted by Midland ISD and MIIS Floaty, adopted by MIIS. On the day we deployed Trident Seekers, there was a lot of wind that made the boat rock. I figured the ship’s crew would handle this deployment because of the conditions, but they still allowed me and José to deploy this float with their supervision. This showed me just how much the crew trusted me to deploy these floats safely. The deployment of MIIS Floaty was one of my favorite moments of the cruise. I got to deploy this float with Maria, and it was very amazing to get to do this last deployment with another woman out at sea.

This week I also got to watch as the CTD connections were re-terminated. This is a process of cutting the electronic cable that connects to the CTD when it is not working as it needs to and re-connecting the new section of cable to the CTD so it can communicate and send data back as it descends. I really enjoyed watching and asking the technicians questions as they did this. The process was fascinating and so was the way that they checked the connections before ever putting the CTD back in the water.

Closing out these deployments was bittersweet because it made me realize just how much time has passed, and that the time out at sea is coming to a close. Through both the good and the challenges, it has been nice to think about all of the growth I have had. This cruise is the furthest I have ever been from home, and I have been gone for longer than ever before. Those two things are challenges themselves, and with the inclusion of being immersed in another language and culture, I have learned a lot. I picked up some more Spanish and got better at communicating my thoughts using different explanations so that I could make sure I understood and that others understood me. The confidence I have in my knowledge about ocean profilers—what they do, and the deployment procedures—grew as I was able to explain these instruments to people who spoke another language. Though I miss the people back home and am ready to see them again, I have also been able to make friendships and connections throughout the vessel.

Not only did I complete everything that I needed to, I also helped out wherever I could and had plenty of time for fun. I am really glad that I said yes to this opportunity! I learned that I can work with almost anyone and overcome challenges, I got slightly better at being idle, and most importantly, I still want to continue towards being a Marine Technician.

Reflecting doesn’t come very naturally to me. I often prefer to live in the present and think of the future. However, as some important people in my life often remind me, it’s part of the learning experience, and more than everything else – I was sent on this expedition to learn.