After several days at sea, the Sally Ride docked once again in the port of San Diego – a warm, postcard-like city chock-full of breathtaking sunsets, diverse flora, and culture. One of the activities we participated in was a tour of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This tour was led by Dr. […]
All Walks of Life
I gazed down at the rivers snaking through the massive wrinkly mountains of the Midwest from my small airplane window—”What on earth did I just sign up for?” kept ringing through my head. It was only a few weeks ago that I signed my acceptance letter for the August 2022 STEMSEAS trip aboard the R/V […]
The Ocean’s Many Gifts
When I first found this program, I never imagined myself here. I couldn’t foresee the deeply impactful and inspiring events to come. At the time that I applied, I felt adrift. I had little to no confidence in myself or what I could give to science, I questioned if there was even space for people […]
Reflecting on My Time on the R/V Sally Ride
Monday, August 22, 2022 Wow, where do I start… This past week and a half have been one of the most fun and enriching experiences I have ever had. Middle school Ahmad would be hopefully proud of his older self and be jumping for joy. I have loved the ocean and marine life for as […]
Happier than ever
Saturday, August 20, 2022 It was a few days into the trip and I had barely talked to anyone back at home. The days are so fast and exciting that before you know it, you’re settling into bed again in preparation for the long day ahead. I was standing on the stern of the ship […]
Taking the route less sailed
Saturday, August 20, 2022 The day began with cloudy skies, in conjunction with the impending storm forecast to approach from the north. Over a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, pancakes and fresh fruit, Captain Cameron informed us that the storm actually dissipated somewhat along our ship track, and that the anticipated 10-foot swells were luckily […]
Behind the scenes on the R/V Sally Ride
Friday, August 19, 2022 Today we spent the morning learning more about the R/V Sally Ride by touring the bridge, the server room, and the science gear room. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the ship behind-the-scenes, and the crew have been super welcoming and helpful in their tours and descriptions of machinery and job roles. Up […]
Ride
Thursday, August 18, 2022 One of the most surprising items to find on board the R/V Sally Ride is a picture of two older women standing relatively close to each other with smiles on their faces. The image, located on the bulkhead of the Aft Stairtower, gives no context to who they are, why they […]
Feeling unexpectedly at home
Thursday, August 18, 2022 Today is August 18th, 2022, and our third day sailing aboard the research vessel R/V Sally Ride. It is a completely new experience to be on a research vessel. The whole experience has been quite a learning experience for me. You have to relearn how to walk with the boat rocking, be […]
Gratitude
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 Today was our first official day out at sea. I feel both excited to be here and nervous about seasickness. So far, I’ve managed to escape feeling sick. I owe this to a good combination of ginger, hydration, and plenty of time outside. The ship’s crew have taught us an incredible […]
