My summer internship was anything but typical. Forget those mundane “What I did on my summer vacation” essays; my experience at Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) could fill a book. And yes, there’s a reason they playfully call it the Nerd Boat – because diving deep into learning is exactly what it’s all about.
Let me introduce myself. I’m Meghan, and this past summer, I held the grand title of Great Lakes Waterways Education Intern. My time with Inland Seas was truly exceptional, fostering a deep connection to the organization that runs as deep as the Suttons Bay Deep Spot itself. Rarely have I been so completely engrossed in a role that fueled my focus and passion for learning. This incredible experience wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing ISEA office staff, volunteers, and crew. Their collective energy and support inspired me to bring my best self to work each day and share my enthusiasm with the next generation of Great Lakes stewards. Looking ahead, I aspire to emulate the empathy and vibrant energy they showed me as I was just Learning The Ropes.
I vividly remember stepping off the boat after my first ‘wet run’ with a huge, goofy grin plastered across my face. My hands were numb from the cold, sure, but I was in a completely new environment, surrounded by new people, and whether I was ready or not, this was my new reality. I decided to embrace it wholeheartedly.
Over the next month and a half, I had the incredible opportunity to get paid to scoop up mud with kids – an experience that quickly turned into a comfortable routine within the non-routine world of daily sails. Each day brought a new group of students, demanding adaptability in the face of unpredictable weather, diverse group dynamics, and varied learning styles. I thrived on this challenge, constantly refining my approach, drawing from past successes to shape my teaching methods. Above all, I discovered the immense value of engaging in meaningful conversations with students about the material. There was a unique satisfaction in learning each student’s name at the start of their rotation and nurturing those brief but impactful connections.
A central part of my internship was the development of an educational station for our August sail to Detroit. The initial brainstorming sessions for this station were, to put it mildly, extensive. Anyone in the office can attest to the sheer volume of ideas – a veritable boatload! I am particularly grateful to Jillian for her patience in listening as my constantly active mind wrestled abstract visions onto paper, sorting through countless possibilities.
Ultimately, my station concept was inspired by one of my favorite moments during Schoolship – the profound two minutes of silence observed after the students raise the sails. My research led me to the original stewards of this region, the Anishinaabe people, and their deep connection to the land and water. I also explored holistic education approaches. The station evolved into a soundscape mapping activity, encouraging students to visually represent the sounds they perceived around them. I incorporated Anishinaabemowin maps of the Great Lakes and original Anishinaabemowin terms for the waterways we navigated. While respect for the earth is not exclusive to Anishinaabe culture, I felt it was crucial to acknowledge the central role of their stewardship, both historically and presently, in the very lands and waters we were exploring.
My initial internship plan envisioned this research project alongside a summer of public sails, all leading up to the Detroit sail. However, reality took a wonderfully different turn, and I am incredibly grateful for it. Instead, I spent nearly a month living aboard schooners – experiencing the final leg of Schooner Alliance’s journey home and the overnight program to Detroit on Schooner Inland Seas.
ISEA is truly a place where the unexpected is welcomed, and growth is nurtured. I boarded Alliance with zero crew experience and disembarked with a wealth of new knowledge, a deep sense of camaraderie with the crew, and a profound respect for the waters we traversed. Captain Ben’s words during the safety talk resonated deeply: “You go from the top of the food chain to the bottom of the food chain really quickly out here.” It’s a powerful truth. That slight sense of vulnerability offshore is both invigorating and humbling. It filled me with a sense of aliveness, joy, and fulfillment, bringing back that same ridiculous grin from my first wet run.
Just two weeks later, I found myself stepping into the role of Assistant Educator for the overnight program to Detroit. We were fortunate to be joined by an exceptionally mature, compassionate, and determined group from Detroit’s Green Door Initiative, many of whom were just a year younger than me. This sail presented a unique challenge as I found myself simultaneously learning the ropes and leading the students. I vividly remember the first time I had to throw a dock line, tying up at Harbor Beach in the middle of a blustery night. My usually methodical brain was in overdrive, but the boat was secure, and I had successfully navigated a new skill. A definite win-win. Again, immense gratitude to the crew for their unwavering patience throughout my numerous learning curves. I embrace these moments – they are integral to the learning process – and it takes a special kind of person to offer grace and kindness during those vulnerable times. I am deeply thankful for the space they provided for me to grow through these experiences.
I carried this approach into my final two weeks of teaching in Detroit: meeting new students where they were, adjusting my expectations of “success,” and embracing the unique dynamic of sharing a small space with individuals from all walks of life and generations. As I leave this internship, I carry with me a powerful, familial affection for the people who make this organization so exceptional and for the invaluable wisdom they have imparted to me.
Goodbye for now, but not for long. Rachel already has my volunteer application.
