This year has been out of the ordinary for all of us, whether you're a college student or not, I believe we have all learned something about ourselves during this time. In order to become stronger we have to admit to our weaknesses. I have learned a lot about myself this year as all classes for my major of Emergency Management were online for the majority of the semester. I can admit that I am one who needs laid out structure in order to succeed which was the main reason I chose to go to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, taking classes online lacked that structure for me entirely. Procrastination was not an option while being on campus because you not only have your leaders pushing you to be your best, but some of your closest friends as well. I have learned to push myself and become independent instead of relying on others to hold me accountable. Being able to continue getting an education through Massachusetts Maritime has been a blessing, and I have MVYouth to thank for it all. Throughout the semester I was constantly becoming more disappointed due to many events being cancelled because of COVID-19 but I have learned over this semester not to become disappointed over the small things. I have learned to take a step back and be truly grateful for what I have. I am grateful for my health and safety throughout this unpredictable year, friendships, as well as the support of MVYouth through these times of uncertainty. The biggest lesson I have learned this year besides the many amazing topics I have dived deeper into at school, is to be true to yourself and accept any obstacles that may come your way. I have attached a photo not only of myself, but myself in the middle of my two closest friends, pre-COVID-19, to remind everyone to hold onto hope, that our lives will soon return to how they were, where new memories will be made. Thank you MVYouth and everyone who has supported me all these years and I wish you all a happy and healthy 2021!
Shannon Levesque - Massachusetts Maritime Academy
To start I would like to thank MVYouth for your contribution which has made my journey at Massachusetts Maritime Academy possible. This semester was a lot more eye opening for me and what I want to do with my future. This summer I worked with the Oak Bluffs Police Department hand-in-hand with the full time officers and decided to focus my studies on the law enforcement side of my major in Emergency Management. I was able to take a class called Consequence Management and learn all about response and recovery in a highly tense situation. Along with that on February 1st, 2020 I will be flying down to Eustis, FL with other Emergency Management Majors to work this Habitat Humanity again. This year we are focusing more on the cosmetics of Habitat built homes in areas where crime tends to be higher. In recent years other classes have done this and it actually helped drop the crime rates in their community. Last year I unfortunately broke my ankle and had to be sent home, so I am beyond excited to travel with new people, create new connections and help families that need a little extra assistance. As a sophomore at Maritime you gain a lot more privileges than in freshman year. This semester, we were allowed to decorate our rooms that way we wanted and live more like a college student would at any other school. We still have to attend Morning Formation where we salute the flag and make sure everyone is accounted for, as well as an inspection of our uniform on Wednesday nights. As you move farther into your journey at Maritime you gain privileges that make life more laid back but still regimented. I have also created the best friendships this semester which is more like gaining family members. We all push each other to do our best and stay on track. Once again I would like to thank MVYouth for giving my the opportunity to attend such an amazing college.
Shannon Levesque - Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is by far the best place for me to be at this point in my life. The Academy instills three main ideas within us - Discipline, Knowledge and Leadership. These three core values will stay with us for all four years at the Academy. I chose to be a part of the Honor Guard which deals with parades, funeral details and many other out of school events. I have participated in the NYC Veterans Day Parade and will be going to Washington D.C to participate in another parade this Spring. MMA provides a level of discipline that no other school can provide which has been beyond beneficial to me and will continue to benefit me even after my time at the Academy.
A typical day consists on waking up at 0545 for what we call cleaning stations. We go around and clean our dorm from top to bottom. At 0630 our rooms are inspected for cleanliness in somewhat of a military like setting. For example, our rooms are checked for dust and our beds and uniforms have to look a certain way. Wearing a uniform instills a level of professionalism in the cadets, this school is treated almost like a job, arriving early to something is being on time and being on time is late. At 0705 we line up for Morning Formation where all the cadets march out in platoons outside and a muster is taken to make sure every last person is accounted for. Throughout the day you go to classes and then at 2000 we have Study Hours. This is a time where your door is open and your phone is left outside your room and you simply sit down and do your homework. This by far has been the most helpful part of the regiment because you never have a excuse for not doing your work. We go to bed at 2200 and start the process all over again the next morning. Without a doubt, MMA has instilled characteristics in me and has already set me up to live a disciplined lifestyle outside of school that no other college could possibly provide for their students.