Timothy Rajotte ’17, an English major from Abington, Mass., spent the spring semester off campus, partaking in the SEA Semester, a field-based environmental education at sea. Before departing on the ship, Rajotte spent six weeks in Woods Hole, Mass., where he took a number of classes including oceanography, nautical science, and maritime history.
Rajotte traveled the sea aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer. Enrolled in the Colonization to Conservation in the Caribbean program, Rajotte traveled to St. Croix, St. John, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cuba.
Above, Rajotte stands at the helm of the ship. “Standing the watch” was crucial to his experience. “Our class of 24 was divided into three watches, one of which was always required to control the navigational and scientific objectives while underway at all hours of the day and night. We usually had two watches per day, one of which would be six hours long during day light hours, and then a four hour watch taking place during the dark of night” Rajotte explains.
Above, Rajotte is pictured in a Holy Cross shirt, poses after playing a pickup game of baseball in Samaná, Dominican Republic. On shore, each student conducts a research project on a current social topic in the Caribbean. “I chose to focus on the historical effect of Major League Baseball on the Dominican Republic and Cuba, and how prospects from the Caribbean are exploited for their talents,” Rajotte says.
Looking back on the adventure, Rajotte reflects on the many unique experiences, “this experience was one I will never forget. It instilled confidence, work ethic, and leadership abilities in me that I never knew I could attain. Surrounded by great friends, professors, and crew members, I explored amazing towns and cities that are considered off the beaten path for tourism, in the process meeting people who embraced us and welcome us into their culture.”
