It is a long way from Exit 37 on the Northway to the ports of the Dominican Republic, but it’s a journey that 2006 Scotia-Glenville graduate Jacqueline Feurer is happy to be taking part in.
She is making the trip as part of the Sea Education Association semester study-abroad program through SEA in Woods Hole, Mass. The program combines sailing and ocean studies in an intellectually and physically demanding setting.
Her semester at SEA is not only a journey for her, but one for her family as well.
We will have to adjust from talking to her on a regular basis to having no contact at all, said her father, Ken Feurer.
Laurie Wizen, SEA alumni parent relations coordinator, said the program is a success because of the relationship between the program members and parents.
`Our students come back with invaluable experience that expands beyond academics. It is life changing; parents can see its worth in their children,` said Weitzen.
Ken and his wife, Karen, said their daughter is studying biology and chemistry at SUNY Plattsburgh and hopes to some day be a teacher.
Ken said Jacqueline was actually hoping to enroll next year in the SEA program, but received a call that they had an opening to board the ship now. Ken said Jacqueline had to convince SUNY Plattsburgh to allow her to leave for the semester and also earn credits for the program.
`Plattsburgh had never been involved with the program, but after Jacqueline presented them with all the information, they were impressed with the very vigorous program where she will earn credits for her research,` said Ken.
Jacqueline has already com-pleted the SEA’s six-week shore component, where she earned academic credit for oceanography, nautical science and maritime studies. While on board the ship, Jacqueline will conduct her research project.
She is sailing on SEA’s 134-foot sailing school vessel named the Coronith Cramer, one of the most prestigious research-equipped vessels under sail in the country.
Her mom, Karen, said the family is able to check her progress online daily at the SEA semester Web site.
`Her dad was in the Coast Guard; her love of the water is in her genes,` said Karen.
Karen and Ken attended a parents orientation session, where they learned their daughter would be sailing with 17 other students from all over the country, and even as far as Nova Scotia and New Zealand.
`When she first approached us with the idea, we were nervous. We now know there are 10 crew members on board and it’s also the opportunity of a lifetime. We knew we had to support her,` said Ken.
The trip began in Key West, Fla., where the ship will also return after traveling 3,000 nautical miles over a six-week period. The SEA program is open to all majors and works to provide experience in developing teamwork and decision-making skills.
According to her father, Jacqueline’s 17-year-old sister, Rachel, has shown an interest in sailing as well. The family looks forward to hearing about the journey.
`Sometimes you have to push to see what you are made of. We oftentimes are capable of so much more,` said Ken.“
