Next week I will be onboard the R/V Point Sur. As of now, I have been reading practical boat mechanics books and CTD operation manuals. Working at sea will be a new experience for me but I welcome it with excitement. I could not have asked for a better place to start my ocean journey than Alaska. With the guidance of senior marine technicians and scientists, I feel this experience will serve as a stepping stone in my career and future interest in marine engineering. So far my interactions with Stian, Nandita, and Tami have been great. They have been very supportive and effective at getting me prepared and I am thankful for that. I look forward to fly to Dutch Harbor and meet the crew.