Each day would start with a good morning to everyone in the office and a boat ride to Long Island, which is where Camp Harbor View (CHV) is located. These rides to and from CHV are probably the highlight of this summer. The picture that goes along with this post was one taken on the way back from CHV. On these rides, we would reflect on the day, talk to each other about things that happened, or just sit and take in the ride.
Working as a first-year instructor at Piers Park this summer has been a very joyful experience. Part of that experience was teaching the kids at Camp Harbor View and the kids back at the home-base. Teaching others this summer has been a great learning experience for me. I have learned a lot about myself and others. But most of all, this first year as an instructor has given me a chance to overcome my fear and anxiety of talking in front of others.
My goal as an instructor is to help students learn important values like kindness, determination, and perseverance. These are very important values to have. I believe with these values you can do anything you put your mind to, especially when you are learning something new and tricky like sailing. Additionally, these values can go beyond just a summer sailing camp. It can help in school when it gets tough, or with just about any challenge life brings.
Teaching has given me a chance to learn a lot from the students. Things I have learned from my students are that sometimes you just have to make a connection between navigational aids and Sesame Street. I have learned that making connections helps them learn. And sometimes the connection isn’t what is going to help them. Essentially, everyone is a different learner and you just have to learn what helps them understand the material.
My favorite part of the sailing camp is probably that I get to meet new people and hear many different stories. The kids that come to Piers each have a unique thing about them. I like to think that their stories give me a better understanding of how they view the world.
My goals for the future are to do well in the Advanced Placement classes I have signed up for and to get into an Ivy League college with a good forensics program.
-Ashley Ochoa
