As a Marine Transportation major, I have spent the past several semesters building a foundation of knowledge in the classroom. Now, I am preparing to take that learning into a completely different environment: Summer Sea Term. This experience is designed to be hands-on and immersive, and I expect it to challenge me in ways that go beyond anything I have done so far.

Growing up in Alaska, being on the water was always part of my life, which is one of the reasons I chose this major. However, being on a ship as part of a structured training program is very different from casual time on the water. I am looking forward to finally applying skills such as navigation, chart plotting and safety procedures in real-world situations. I think this experience will help everything I have learned begin to truly make sense.

At the same time, I know this experience will not be without challenges. Adjusting to a new schedule, being away from home and working closely with the same group of people every day will push me outside my comfort zone. There is also the possibility of fatigue or even seasickness. Even so, I see these challenges as part of the learning process and an opportunity to grow.

What excites me most is the chance to experience life at sea firsthand. I am eager to do the work, visit new places and gain a better understanding of what my future career could look like. Summer Sea Term feels like an important step toward turning my passion for being on the water into a profession.

Cadet Paige Boehlert wishes the officers, faculty, crew and cadets of Summer Sea Term 2026 fair winds and calm seas.

Check back often and follow the voyage with our series that gives the latest news from Summer Sea Term! TSGB will travel to San Diego, CA; Papeete, Tahiti; Suva, Fiji; Honolulu, HI; and Los Angeles, CA, prior to returning to Vallejo on July 6.