Another Semester Gone, Sea Term Here I Come

Well folks, that the end of Fall 2011 at Mass Maritime. It has been a good semester, true it had its up and downs, but in the end it was memorable. From the parades, shows, New York City, Cornell, and the Halloween Morning Formation, we had some good times this fall. All finals are completed and I have finished my two class requirements to go on a Co-op this summer so lets see what the future holds. Much work has been completed and now its time for a break for the Christmas season. For myself, it will be a short break of 10 days, for on January 2, I will be returning to the campus of MMA to get ready for our annual Sea Term. I will be writing another post before the voyage begins and during our stop in port. Until next time, Happy Holidays from 3/C Jason Boucher.

Battle Almost Won

The first stage of the battle is over, three finals done, term paper has been slain, and the Risk Assessment Project has met its maker. All that is left on the battlefield is the the Applied Calculus test. He is a strong enemy but one I know I can defeat. This has been a long week for us all, but the battle is almost done. I have begun the packing process of my dorm and trying to figure out what to keep, what to throw away, and what I need for Sea Term. Who knew someone could accumulate so much stuff in a matter of four months. Its bitter sweet seeing the semester come to a close, seems like it just started, it will be nice though to enjoy the Christmas season with the loved ones before we set sail to the Caribbean.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

I thought I was going to be more excited to start this post, but I am not. Today was the last day of classes and although I have been looking forward to my winter internship and going home all semester today has been bittersweet. My teachers went through and reviewed for our final one last time and then told us that it was a pleasure of getting to know us. My last class of the day was Business Communication and as I left the room I wasn't as thrilled as I thought I would be. I made many friends in these classes ranging from sophomore to senior and knowing that my 1st semester junior year has come to a close is quite frankly, frightening. This morning we met with the Regimental Commander, Jack Gomes, as he discussed our closing achievements and failures as a class. I then went to Accounting where I handed in my final and took my last quiz about LIFO, FIFO, Average Cost and Specific Cost methods. My first day of classes I remember thinking how foreign accounting was to me, and now it comes natural. After all of my classes I went to speak with Capt. Rozak about tying up some lose ends with our 00 deck and then I went back to my room. It hit me.

My father always told me that college would fly by and that I needed to make sure I didn't miss out on opportunities because they come and go quickly. Today it hit me how right he really was. This time next year I'll be applying for jobs and hopefully have job offers. I did listen to his advice and take as many opportunities as they presented themselves, but I had no idea how quickly it would go!

Tomorrow I have my Finance 2 and Trans Ops final and I am going to be up late studying. Finance 2 has been very difficult and I have to start memorizing formulas... It's going to be a very late night.

Internship

I apologize for have not posting any blogs lately, because of a large amount of homework and leadership responsibility. However, hard work always pays off in the end. I have received an internship opportunity from Spec Tec. They have hired me this winter for an internship opportunity in La Spezia, Italy.

Friday, December 3rd.  After Morning Formation I received and great news. It was a morale booster after all the hard work I put into. “Congratulations!  You have been selected by Spec Tec as a winter co-op student in their office in La Spezia, Italy.”  I celebrated that Friday night. I was energized all day and all night. 

However, because of my nationality I have to apply for Visa to go to Italy. During the weekend I could not sleep too well, because of my emotion running crazy. I was very nervous and excited, I was nervous about how can I apply for a Visa and what I need for a Visa, but I was excited about how amazing this opportunity means to me.

I never imagined that I will have the opportunity to go to Italy. Well I never imagined I would come to US when I was in China, but everything worked quite well for me. One more semesters I will be graduating from here, and so far I had great time since I was one of the freshmen during the Orientation three years ago, and now it only six month away from graduating.

Long Week...Almost There

Sorry for the late post, as you can tell from the title, this week has been a long one. The weekend was spent with a good mix of writing multiple papers and, of course, the Army Navy Game. I am happy to let you all know the once again Navy won. I was pretty fun reminding my friend at West Point. But all joking aside, with this being the final week of classes, all cadets here are working hard to get all their final projects completed and get those last points before the dreaded finals. I happen to have it bitter sweet with my finals being during my last classes but that gives me less time to study. Well folks, here we go, the final stretch, the great battle of our time.

With the end of the semester near its time to hit the books and remember everything from day one in class. The freshmen need to pass Vessel Familiarization in order to attend Sea Term and part of the course is Knot Qualifications. Pictured above are some of the cadets in the 7th Company study lounge taking some lessons from a junior deck cadet.

While some are studying others have attend the annual concert. The 7th Company Jazz Band, concert band and Choir performer last week and gave a great performance as always. Our band has been invited to perform in many parades WORLDWIDE! Including locations such as Rome, Honolulu, and Washington DC!

We had a special guest visit the mess deck as well!

Women's Leadership Symposium

Today was MMA's 4th Annual Women's Leadership Symposium. I had the privilege of getting to help participate and facilitate the group discussions that the women were split up in. This morning began as the women met in the Bay State Conference room and was split up into four groups. We were able to do a few ice breakers including having everyone write on their poster board a goal that they have for themselves; this could be as soon as getting a good grade on finals and as long term as joining the Navy or traveling the world. It was so fun getting to meet all of the women who were there today and get to know a little bit about them. We had a woman there from Freehold, NJ which is about 15 minutes away from where I live! We had many women who participated in the SSLP camp that MMA hosts and had so much maritime experience. The great part about today was having so many different personalities and backgrounds all in one room and getting to know each other. Many women had already been accepted to MMA and had a few questions about it including what 7th company is, a bit about Orientation and what different majors are like. We showed them our brand new ship simulator, the engineering labs, introduction to International Maritime Business and a group exercise about leadership. Events like these are great for women to attend because it gives them a different insight on MMA and introduces them to other females that will be at MMA with them. With a small group of women it makes it more comfortable to be able to meet them.

Finance 2 Presentation

After the Viking Bath, I had to get back to my academics. My Finance 2 teacher, Dr. Dasgupta, split our class up into different groups and is having us to 30 minute presentations about a certain topic in Finances. While others got topics such as: credit cards, buying vs. renting a home, buying a new car etc. my group was assigned Estate Planning. Being 20 years old, I haven't had much exposure to Estate Planning and was curious to start learning about it. Dr. Dasgupta is a great teacher, and received his Ph.D from Princeton University, so he has so much knowledge to share with the cadets. Our group has been meeting with Dr. Dasgupta as we start our rough draft for our 10 page paper and asking him for some guidance on what important topics he would like to see us cover. In the midst of researching these topics through textbooks and scholarly journals I was able to contact 2 attorneys who happen to be professionals in this field. First, I contacted Brandon Walecka who is an attorney at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. in New Bedford. Brandon agreed to meet with myself and another group member, Anthony Clark this morning. We were able to ask him questions and he so gracious made time in his schedule for us. I also was able to get into contact with Robert Powers, who is an Estate attorney who deals with multi-million dollar estates. I wasn't sure if he was going to be able to answer any questions, but I thought that I would ask anyways. It turns out that his uncle was the Chief Engineer who was on the Marine Electric during the disaster; we have a memorial on campus in their honor. I could not believe what a small world it is! Mr. Powers was so helpful and we have been extremely grateful for all of the help from these professionals. Monday is our group's presentation, so this weekend we are going to be doing some last minute touching up of our PowerPoint and paper.

Viking Bath 2011

For many people who apply to MMA, they have spent their entire life near the ocean or with a deep respect for it. With that being said, there is a point that MMA stresses the most in classrooms and in practical exposure and that is safety. Before going on Seaterm youngies are taught how to tie knots, they are taught CPR/First Aid, they use gumby suits and they are taught how to properly guide a monomoy. There is one final aspect of safety onboard a ship that is also taught and that is that if something is to go wrong on a ship, jumping overboard is the last possible option. By jumping in the water, you leave yourself vulnerable to the elements and are at risk for danger. This is one thing to be taught in a classroom while watching PowerPoint slides, but the practical application is a much greater lesson. MMA refers to it as the Viking Bath. The Regimental staff spends countless hours in preparation for this event and the Company staff have meetings to ensure and stress the safety of this event. This morning was the Viking Bath for our youngies. Being a Squad Leader, I am one of the ones who was facilitating the event for 7th Company. We woke them up at 4:30 and fell them out into the bow (the hallway). Our Company Commander stressed the importance of this event and reassured the youngies that if anyone did not want to participate they were free to go back to their room. While some youngies decided to go back to bed, many of them were excited to participate. Before we jump into Buttermilk Bay, it is important that we get their heart rate up so we start to do jumping jacks, push ups, running, and sit ups to make sure they warm up their bodies. During this, we are blasting music and the youngies even started to jump up and down. Considering the youngies are not permitted to listen to music, this event is not only one that they will never forget, but they will always be proud of. It is very loud and the Squad Leaders and officers are constantly taking muster of where everyone is. The youngies then run out into the Bay (along with the Squad Leaders, Company staff and even Lt. Magee-our Company Officer), as a group and come out as a group. There are Regimental Officers securing off a perimeter so that no one goes out, and the EMTs are overlooking the whole event. It is a very safe event and one that they will never forget.

Wow my Head Hurts

What a long week it has been. With finals a week away it seems like the professors have no mercy. This week was pretty rough homework wise with Calculus online homework, a test, a PowerPoint presentation, and a paper all due with two more term paper on the way. I mean it's rough, but it shall be done. Even with the obvious rigors of academics which all schools go through, MMA seems to find ways for one to just have a little break and have some fun. Last night, the regimental band and chorus had its annual Christmas Concert with one of its biggest audiences I have seen here. It was fun time with the chorus bringing us some Christmas Carols to the table, the jazz band making the house jump, and the band ending it with its mix of Christmas, rock, and a splash of patriotism with an armed forces salute at the end. A holly jolly time was had by all, however, the night wasn't complete, for 7th Company had its post-concert Christmas party and secret Santa. I loud rowdy time was had with gifts of the completely awesome to the strange were exchanged. It really just seems to be a contest of who can get the coolest or funniest gift. I happened to receive a large role of bubble wrap as my gift, not quite sure what to do with it. It was a great way to end the last full school week. Now with the concert done, time to focus on those assignments to be completed before finals, but hopefully I can get it done seeing its ARMY NAVY GAME WEEKEND!!!!! I don't know about you but being at a Maritime Academy I'm feeling Navy. GO NAVY BEAT ARMY!!!!! Have a great weekend everybody!

What a Night

Sup folks, well I told you all I would write after the Winter Ball and give you all the lowdown. As you know last Friday was MMA's Winter Ball aboard the Spirit of Boston, and what a ball it was. All Friday everyone was excited and ready to get out of class and head to the city for a night of fun. I spent the night before getting the dress blues ready hoping not to forget anything, got to have a crisp uniform. Friday was a dress down day, which was a great morale booster for the ball, just being able to walk around school in sweatpants and a t-shirt every once and a while is well needed. I got a little worried however that afternoon when I ended up leaving at 1645 for Boston when I got a ride with some friends. The Spirit of Boston was starting its boarding at 1830 and yeah an hour and forty-five minute seems long enough, but believe me, Boston traffic had me worried for a little. With some tactical driving by our helmsman, we managed to make it to the vessel with good time and I was able to meet my girlfriend there. From that point on the ball was great. It was as I said last post, a great night of good food, dancing, music, and good friends. It was a night to remember, a ball only Mass Maritime could create. After the ball ended, all said their goodbyes, and my lady and I drove home to CT and spent another great weekend catching up with family and old friends until meet next time for the Christmas break.

Giving Blood

Multiple times a semester MMA hosts a blood drive right on campus. This is the first time that I participated in a mobile blood drive though. All of the blood collected is going towards the Boston Children's Hospital. I brought a few friends from my company to give blood as well, because it is for such a great cause. I had never given blood in a bus before, and I wasn't sure what to expect. The staff was professional, and accommodating. They were constantly asking if we wanted something to drink or a snack afterwards to eat. I am so happy that I participated in this, because it makes me feel like I am giving back; especially to those young children in Boston.

This past week, Chartwells sponsored a holiday dinner where a friend of mine, Sarah Click, dressed up in a Rudolph costume and greeted people as they entered the mess deck. While I didn't go to the Mess Deck because I was working on homework, I got a knock on my door with her standing there dressed up. It scared me to say the least and we laughed for a while about it. With stress levels high it is always good to be able to laugh at silly moments like that. Chartwells has been hosting Steak and Shrimp dinners for MMA cadets who subscribe to them on facebook and guess the correct random number. If you are interested in other events that Chartwells sponsors check them out on facebook.

Holidays coming!

This morning I woke up at 0545 to supervise cleaning stations. At 0555 the freshmen in 7th company have to wake up and do a specific station that was assigned to them. Things like the floors, stairs, heads, and study lounge get cleaned twice a day. Once at 0555 and again at 1900. But tonight's will be a little different. We will finish putting up Christmas wrapping paper on all the walls of the 05 deck!

As well as putting the wrapping paper on the walls out company is doing a secret Santa party this year. This Thursday the 7th Company Band will be performing in Admirals Hall. The full band as well as the Jazz band and Chorus will be there.

Tests, Projects, Papers and more!

Today I had a test in Accounting, Trans. Ops and Spanish 1. On top of these tests I had a 10 page paper due in Business Communication and 15 page rough draft due in Finance and I have to build my own website. Have I mentioned that I am a tutor, a Squad Leader and the Student Trustee. This week has been absolutely chaotic and I am counting the days until it is over. This week I have Staff meetings, Inspections, Study Hours, the Board of Trustee meeting on Thursday and a meeting with my Finance 2 group on Estate Planning. I somehow fit the time into my schedule to give blood. I can't believe I have not pulled out all of my hair yet, but luckily if I need someone to talk to we have a wonderful counselor at school named Mrs. Shine-O'Brien. MMA realized the stress and the pressure that students have on themselves so they hired a professional to help us through these tough few years. Last night the youngies and Squad Leaders started decorating our 05 deck with wrapping paper. The youngies brought in more than 100 rolls to decorate! I think that is a record. It is a real morale boaster especially during finals seasons to have a bit of home brought to school. The youngies (especially the men who complained about how terrible they were at wrapping) were proud of themselves when it was all said and done for their little bit of creativity and fun put on the walls of our company.

The Board of Trustee's meeting is this Thursday and it is the final meeting for the 2011 year. We have quite a few things to vote on and approve, one of which being our Honorary Degree for Commencement in June. Lots of big things are going to be happening these next 6 months as the seniors prepare to go out into the real world, the juniors are taking the responsibilities of those seniors, the juniors becoming Squad Leaders and the youngies are finally sophomores. It all happens so fast!

Tuesday Schedule

0600- Wake up

0630- Inspections

0705- Get ready for Morning Formation

0725- Morning Formation Begins

0745- Morning Formation Finished

0800- Accounting Test

1000- Trans. Ops Test

1130- Lunch

1200- Spanish Test

1400- Business Communication (Hand in Paper)

1530- Give Blood

1630- Meeting with Finance Group

1730- Dinner

1800- Choir

2000- Study Hours Begins

2200- Study Hours Finished

Winter Ball 2011

This weekend was the Spirit of Boston, MMA's 3rd annual Winter Ball. I got out of school and got my hair done at the Salon Belor in Bourne. It was a really nice night out, and an easy drive into Boston which surprised me. My date and I got into Boston pretty early and traffic was still crazy! With the Spirit of Boston already done it means that Finals and Winter Break are right around the corner. It is a nice little wrap up to the semester and makes me excited to start the Spring. December 26th I am going back to APM Terminals in Port Elizabeth and I can not wait to start! According to the Director, I will be working in the Marine Department this time instead of the Yard (trucking). I'm excited to learn another department, especially one that I think I'll be able to be an asset in. Many people working at the terminal do not have a maritime background or really any knowledge of what a stern is or a bow. APM likes to mix up their people from department every few years to teach them new things. I can't believe this week is the last full week of classes and finals are only 10 days away! This semester has flown by...

WINTER BALL!

Now with the conclusion of Thanksgiving and Christmas just on the horizon, it's time for that one event that all classes at the Academy look forward to, the Winter Ball upon the Spirit of Boston. It is the the Academy's annual formal dance were cadets of all classes get all dress up in their dress blues, suits and dresses to spend a night of good food, good friends, music, and dancing. I myself shall be escorting my pretty lady from back home tonight and loosen up after a hard weeks work. With Finals almost here, this is a great way for us all to relax and have some fun before finals, the Christmas break, and Sea Term. I shall be posting again after the ball and hopefully have some good pictures of the night.

Beth Israel Interview

Here is my experience:

I am given directions via email of how to get to the EM Department inside BIDMC. The interview is set to start at 1300. Well living in Watertown, only 20 mins away. I chose to leave at 1100 just to be on the overly safe side. I arrive at about 1135 (Traffic) and park in the only available spot in the garage. Following the directions I was given I some how was taken to the basement by the elevator and without realizing got off and proceed to follow the directions, after about 15 minutes i asked someone and they replied "Are you sure its in the basement?". After 15 more minutes I found the room and met a couple of MMA grads that now work for BIDMC in their EM department. Both of them were EM graduates and were project managers for the dept.

The interview went well and I will hear back next week if I got it. My job would be assisting both project managers as well as handling my own project of remodeling the Emergency Operations Center that is within the facility.