First Day of Classes

Today was the first day of classes. Luckily they didn’t start until 135pm or 1335 ship time. Therefore, I was able to sleep in a bit. The first class I had today was Globalization and International Law. The professor is from Spain and is difficult to understand. She is co-teaching it with her husband. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get used to her accent. Don’t really know what the course is about could barely hear her or understand her, this should get interesting quickly. I got out of that class early so I spent the half hour of free time out on the deck.  My next class was in the same room so it wasn’t difficult to find. Some of these classrooms are hidden I swear. The second class I had was called Sociology of Marriage and the Family.  This professor was really laid back and it definitely seems like the class will be really interesting so I’m pretty excited about that. I had dinner with a few friends and it still seems the food isn’t that bad at all. Late this afternoon though it started to get a little rough and things fell off of shelves, desks, and even in the shower. Getting around the ship lately has been a hassle. I feel like I’m going to walk into anything and everything that is in my path. My seasickness is doing well with the meds I’m taking so I shouldn’t have any problems hopefully. I’ve got two more classes tomorrow Global Studies and Deviance and Social Control. The first one starts at 9:20 and we all know how much I like to get up in the morning… Not.  I’ve also heard the class is horrible and there is no way to decipher the important info from the gibberish. GREAT! The second one isn’t until the afternoon so I’ll get a nap in.  I’m glad I get to take Deviance and Social Control abroad therefore I can avoid good ol’ Elmer Phudd for the spring semester when I get back to Scranton. Well, that’s pretty much it for today.

First Day At Sea

*Date Written 8/28/09*

Well today was just about as long as yesterday. Had to be up and at the dock by 8am. We arrived a few minutes late but it wasn’t a problem. I had to sign a waiver that I didn’t have the swine flu and then got tags to attach to my bag for my room number. This way my luggage would be delivered to my cabin instead of having me lug it around which would be next to impossible. I went through check in handed my passport and was given my student ID card that will now be my way of getting on and off the ship. I then proceeded to go through security screening. There was time for a quick goodbye to mom, dad and Megan. I then took my carry on and boarded the ship. By the time I got to my room because of more check in’s my luggage had already arrived. At this point I began to get a little overwhelmed because it was all happening so quickly yet we wouldn’t leave the port until 5pm. There wasn’t much to do on the ship today but to explore on my own. The ship has multiple dining areas, a pool, a hot tub, library, computer center, recreation area, weight room, all the things a college has. It is much like a floating campus as they like to call it. In the afternoon, I took a nap to try and catch up on some sleep and then we had a life boat drill at 4pm. It took a half an hour and then most of the students went to the upper decks for the send off. My parents were at a park located not too far from the ship in order to see the ship leave the port. You could hear bagpipes being played I don’t know if it was for us or just something going on that seemed so cliché . As the ropes were untied everyone cheered and it was the moment we have all waited for. We were off to see the world. I saw the crowd of parents waving, but it seemed like little specks, you could see the flash of the cameras. Then, I went to get some dinner downstairs my first meal on the ship. It wasn’t bad at all, but I’m sure it’s something that’s going to get old. After, I began feeling some seasickness so I went and laid down before our 8pm meeting. We were introduced to all the faculty and staff on the ship and the 9am start tomorrow morning. I’m exhausted so I’ll probably watch a movie and head to bed.

 Real quick, Classes are divided into A and B days. The four classes that I am taking are; Sociology of Marriage and the Family, Deviance and Social Control, Globalization and International Law, and finally the required Global Studies. Most of these courses will be applied toward my major for Scranton. There are some field programs that are required for these courses and that will count for 20% of my grade by doing them. Examples include Operation Hunger and Working Women in Chennai, India. Classes don’t start until Sunday so I’ll update you after the first class.

Well, I'm lucky enough to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the world while studying abroad. I can't think of any other study abroad program that suits me. I can't wait to begin this journey for 3 and a half months of my life to places I never thought I would ever get the chance to visit. It's funny that Semester At Sea was just something I stumbled upon back in March. I was skeptical at first with it being my senior year of college I had a choice of studying abroad which was something I have wanted to do for a long time or to stay at Scranton for my final year. Clearly, as I am writing we all know which of the two I decided. Little did I know that I would be a part of the Fall 2009 voyage, and not to mention the 100th voyage which makes it all the more exciting. Today, I took a flight from Newark Airport in NJ to Halifax, in Canada. Of course as usual Newark was delayed and did not take off on-time. Actually 1 hour later, we were already aboard the plane so sitting for that period of time being anxious wasn't easy. However, it's Newark what else are you suppose to expect. I am exhausted from packing, traveling, shopping, yet I still find some way to be ecstatic about tomorrow; when the journey begins. I seem to find some nervousness coming over me, but I think the excitement is what keeps me going. I've barely slept in the past couple days with long periods of starring at my stuff to pack wondering how I would fit it all. Somehow, someway, it all fit. I'm going to try and keep you all updated on my travels and thanks for all the support. I miss you all already!