This was a big step in the deep for me (literally) as I had never even spent one night on a boat, let alone ten. The first challenge I had to overcome was walking onto the boat with 40 people I had never met before. I'm naturally quite introverted, so this placed me outside of my comfort zone; however, after ten days, I could call those 40 strangers my 40 friends.

I believe this adventure made me grow and learn a lot about myself. One of my many highlights on the trip was rafting back to the boat after dinner ashore. In this particular location, plankton surrounded us, which glowed if disturbed. This resulted in the water lighting up in a green sparkle whenever we broke contact with our paddles. For me, this was a magical and surreal experience under the stars while surrounded by my new close friends.

Overall this voyage brought challenging moments that placed me outside of my comfort zone, but also many core memories that I will cherish for the years to come. I was lucky enough to gain a full scholarship for this voyage. I wish to thank my family who supported me in applying for this and for the sponsors of the Spirit who provided financial assistance as well as the crew and teammates who made this unforgettable experience possible.