‘Sailing Solo’

It has created quite a sensation on the net, so if you are a regular surfer, by now you would be familiar with the story.  Just two months ago one sixteen year old Californian girl, Abbey Sunderland quit her solo voyage around the world. Abbey became stranded in the Indian Ocean, and had to be rescued by some French fishermen. I knew of it because it made international news. Anyway, this news did not deter Laura Dekker a Dutch youngster from departing the port of very soon after to begin her one year solo sail: around the world. 

The comments from people all over the world varied, but it seemed to me, that most people were against the idea of teens sailing solo. Some said that the parents of these teenage are very irresponsible. They believe that the parents should be jailed.  Anyway, amidst the wave of furor, I detect something akin the formula of success, let me share three of these with you. 

(1)  In order to achieve success you will have to be intentional. Many persons will tell you that you cannot make it; they will encourage you to give up, especially if the course is too difficult. You should never let the opinion of others determine your actions. Aim high, set your goals, work hard and trust in God to see you through.

(2)  The race is not for the swift. Do not compare yourself with others, your journey is unique, keep your eyes on the prize and keep on sailing. Never give up, persevere, and remember that with Christ in the vessel, you can smile at the storm. The young sailors testified that they had to fight off pirates, sail through deep waters and even rough seas but eventually, they made it safely to shore. From time to time you may feel like your ship is rocking or like you are lagging behind but continue to sail on, for one of these days you are going to make it. Even if you have to break your course of study, recharge your batteries and get back in the ’waters’, for this is something that successful sailors do. Sometimes they run out of gas or come upon some form of emergency but they do what they have to do and get back on course.

(3)   Solo means alone, just as how these sailors achieve success without mother or father, sister or brother you will find that in your course of study you will have to do likewise. You will have lonely days at University but cheer up for it does not mean that your loved ones will abandon you. They want the best for you; they are cheering you on from shore.

Let me conclude by saying, your ship may ‘be battered and your sails may be torn’ but stay the course, for University life ‘ain’t no smooth sailing.’

  Jacqueline Champier                                                                                         

Behavioural Sciences Department