Assignment 2: JOB DESCRIPTION
Sailing Teaching Assistant
As I’m floating in the bay, completely soaked in water and taking the accidental sips of salt water, and with an FJ (13ft two person boat) rolled on its side, also laying on the water, I ask myself, “What did I get myself into?” More intriguingly, “Why do I do this to myself?” To answer the first question, I got myself into a capsize situation that was mainly caused because the student did not ease the main sail in time, but he doesn't know that, yet. Not to worry though, we’ll get the boat right side up in no time and debrief after a warm shower.
These are some occurrences that I manage as a Teaching Assistant for the USC Nautical Science Program. The program takes USC students, both new and experienced sailors, through a unique world where we learn about different types of dinghies (small boats) and keelboats (bigger boats), the rules of the water, and how to be “one with the boat”. I have been fortunate enough to help different classes of students go through these adventures and to see them grow not just as sailors, but as people as well. In what way have I helped them, you ask? There are three main ways:
Teaching
Reassuring
Encouraging
Teaching
To truly get the most out of a sailing experience, it is quintessential to understand the fundamentals of sailing. I teach the students through a variety of mediums, depending on if we are in a classroom or out in the water. For example, when we are in the classroom, I would draw out a Points of Sail chart, showing them how the boat will interact with the wind depending on the angle it is in in relation to the wind. They would memorize the different points of sail and I would quiz them on it. However, the real test was when we would go out on the water with the FJs. The higher the boat is pointed towards the wind, the faster the boat will go, but not too close, or else you will lose all speed and not move. As they continued to be out in the water, the students started to understand the importance of observing and feeling where the wind is coming from, that way they can position the boat to the optimal angle.
Reassuring
A key part of being a teaching assistant is reassuring the students that everything is going to be okay. Most of the students have a fear of embarrassing themselves if they fall into the water or that they are going to hit someone/ another boat. I always give my usual speech, EVERY sailor has fallen into the water at some point, it's somewhat of a rite of passage. They normally chuckle after that and their confidence level rises. As for the fear of hitting another boat, I tell them that it's similar to learning how to drive a car and doing their first lane changes. When you are driving, you stay in your lane and when you want to switch lanes, you look around you and then make the turn. It’s the same way with sailing, you have your lane and when you want to taq (make a turn), you have to look around you and do the taq.
Encouraging
My favorite part of being a teaching assistant is by far encouraging the students to try new things, boasting their morale, and listening to them when they feel ill or discouraged. There was one voyage on a brigantine (a big boat) where a lot of students were getting dizzy and nauseous. The boat was healed and the chop was high. I was walking around with a variety of ginger candies to help with the nausea, and I could physically see them starting to get better, slowly but surely. The next day when the sun was shining high and the wind was low, I was walking around telling the students about the fun opportunity they had to climb the mast and bow if they wanted to. I assured them they would have a harness and that everything was going to be okay. Eventually a good amount of them went climbing up the mast (a big wooden/ metal pole in the middle of the boat) and climbing the bow (frontmost part of the boat). They would come back down with pictures and smiles. Providing that moral boast is all some of the students need to get them more engaged and ensure they have a memorable experience.
Why do I do this? I do it because it is an amazing job where I am constantly learning and helping others and with many other students with a unique fun memory.
I like how you broke up the text with subheadings and lists. They all made your piece easier to read. I also like your analogy of driving a car. Explaining all the technical sailing terms made it easier for me to understand and picture what you do. Overall, you seem very passionate and knowledgable about this role.
ReplyDeleteHi Genaro! I loved reading about the chaos, excitement, and learning that comes with sailing! The way you break down your role into teaching, reassuring, and encouraging really shows how much thought and care you put into helping students feel comfortable and confident on the water. The capsize story at the beginning is such a good hook, and the way you describe guiding students through their fears (whether it’s falling in or making a turn) makes sailing feel so relatable.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun experience! I've never been sailing before and through your storytelling i'm would consider giving it a try. I appreciated the hook to get me interested in your memo. But importantly, you explain the technical terms to make it an easier read for a below-novice like me.
ReplyDeleteYour experience as a sailing teaching assistant sounds incredible! I love how you balance teaching technical skills with reassurance and encouragement, making sure your students feel both challenged and supported. Your storytelling really puts the reader in the moment, especially with that capsize situation.
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