Closing Perspective

Sarah Kingston, Chief Scientist

“It’s only an island if you look at it from the water.”

-Chief Brody, JAWS

Above is a quote from the classic movie JAWS (a line which never made much sense to me but sticks in my mind nonetheless). After our epic journey of over 4700 miles from San Diego to French Polynesia, I can appreciate the allusion to what a difference perspective can make. So much of our work at sea involves changing our point of view: stepping away from constant electronic connectivity, learning to read the clouds over the ocean, zooming in to tiny planktonic life through a microscope, observing how our navigation stars change as we crossed the equator into the Southern Hemisphere.

I am so proud of the growth I’ve seen over the course of our journey; our 305 students have come so far, and not just in nautical miles.

I can’t wait to see what amazing new endeavors they undertake as they move forward to navigate through life rather than upon the waves.

I hope these talented students and staff hold on tight to the new perspectives they fostered here, the life lessons they learned, and the friendships they made.

I will take with me many fond memories, myself – including the chaos of resident Red-footed Boobies, the newfound meaning of ‘Dijon,’ so many different colors from sunrises and sunsets across the Pacific, a myriad of rainbows, morning greetings from back-flipping mobula rays in Rangiroa, and the power of wind and rain. Team 305 brought new depth to the application of ‘adaptability’ – cheers to an amazing journey. I can always visit you in my mind, sipping coffee atop an aft deckbox on the Robert C. Seamans, watching the waves as they roll past the stern, ever-ready to heave to for science.

Sarah Kingston, Chief Scientist

Shout out to Lou K, Happy Happy Birthday!