The last leg of our voyage might have had the most scenic horizon. Juneau is quite a different town than Dutch Harbor. First thing that comes to mind is the abundance of trees in Juneau. As we sailed through the surrounding archipelago, the evergreen covered mountains greeted us along the shores. Even the air is different in Juneau, it was humid, yet gentler than the Arctic winds. While in Juneau we had the chance to see Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most monumental landmarks in Alaska. Beautiful in its scenery, and tragic in its fate, Mendenhall Glacier, was the highlight of our port call. One of the first things that I’ve learned about the glacier is the increased melting due to Climate Change. It is undeniable that the glacier has retreated significantly in the last forty years. Its a somber reminder of the effect of human activity upon nature. For me, Mendenhall Glacier was also a reminder of the cause of my career. With each data set I’ve collected, or at least assisted with collection, there is an addition, however small, to the scientific understanding of Climate Change. I’m glad to have seen some much of the Alaskan nature. I don’t know if I’ll get the chance to see it again, or if it will be the same when I do. The port call in Juneau was memorable, and a good way to slowly reintegrate into society. While in Juneau some of the crew were allowed to bring their family members for the transit to Seattle. Yet while our transit took us to the awe inspiring Glacier Bay National Park, this was one of the busiest times for STARC technicians and myself. We found ourselves a week away from our final destination–Seattle, with multiple projects yet to finish. The projects involved securing all the sensors used for underway pCO2 systems, backing up data files, and organizing an inventory of all other sensors shipped for calibration. Nothing exciting or glamorous about our last week of work, but something that had to be done. Although, I do feel that I’ve won the confidence of my supervisors, as I’m entrusted to do the inventory on my own. During this leg I was able to test my organizational skills acquired throughout the cruise. I had experienced the importance of documentation and record keeping, while organizing equipment shipments. There so many details, and meticulous tasks that are impossible to fully memorize. I understood why the documentation was created and carefully curated. I was able to optimize my efficiency by following the instructions and guidelines written in years prior. I’ve also realized what defines good documentation. It is pure work, and constant effort to communicate actions and decision making, especially under the stress of deadlines. By the time we got to Seattle, I had completed the tasks assigned to me. Yet, my work was not over.
While in Seattle there were still projects needed to be completed on the Healy. The two that I was able to take lead on were Multibeam echosounder impedance test and remove wind sensors from the ships masts. Impedance test was a day long affair, with multiple shift changes. It is a simple task of disassembly of multibeam transmitters and receivers and electrically testing the resistance to applied voltage. However mundane the task was, it’s important we did it. I understood the bigger picture, and so I was content with performing the task. The data we collected during the impedance test improves the performance of this particular echosounder, and the quality of hydrographic surveying as a whole. It’s not numerical models, or exquisite presentations that improve data collection, but simple routine maintenance of scientific devices. I understood why we had to do it, so it was not a problem for me to spend the whole day conducting the impedance test. And at the end of the day, one of the two tasks I had to do was complete.
While the impedance test was rather mundane, climbing masts was by far more exciting. Over a hundred feet in the air I climbed, the foremast and the midmast. Tool kit strapped to my chest, and refreshing wind in my face. I was eager to climb, even if a bit nervous. I’ve been terrified of heights my whole life, and climbing the masts was no exception. But I volunteered to do it despite my fear. I knew the carabiner was sturdy, and my footing trustworthy, I was determined to climb. My breath was steady, but my legs shook anyway. The wind oscillated the masts a bit, and I dropped a couple zipties. But I did it, I took down the wind sensors, and safely climbed back down. The adrenaline rush hit me as I stepped back on deck, and I felt great. However absurd my fear of heights is, I felt proud that I faced it. In the grand scheme of things, climbing the masts was not all that heroic, technicians do it all the time. But it was important to me, and that’s all that matters. Needless to say, I told everyone about my achievement, humility is not my strong suit. This was a great way to conclude my internship.
And then, one day I woke up and departed the Healy for my flight home. The last three months were some of the best time of my life. I felt that I truly lived the life I wanted, filled with excitement, adventure and purpose. Three years ago I decided to to be a Marine Technician, and I am not disappointed. This is more than a career for me, it is a life choice, that I’m willing to follow through. I have completed every task and goal I set out to do during my MATE internship. There are not enough words to describe the sense of accomplishment I have. MATE internship gave me the tools to build the career I want, and for that I am grateful.