Fighting Fires and Test Anxiety

Well… in summary, I did survive this week AND I did pass! I can say in full confidence, I forgot how much I HATE tests. Every day of the week we had up to 2-4 tests throughout class from 8am - 5pm. The first day was fire basics in the classroom, the second day was fire basics practice and then finish in the classroom with emergency procedures on a ship. The third day was First Aid/CPR/AED all day. The fourth day was ship emergencies, survival in the water training, and the fifth day was safety practices and pool practice. I came down with cold through the week, and am so so so thankful I was able to finish the class. Halfway through the last day in the pool, I almost completely lost my voice.

It’s easy to say, the exciting days were the active practices! We were timed getting into our fire gear, taught how to use the oxygen tanks, put out different types of fires, and communicate with each other during emergencies. It was great having a physical understanding of a lot of what we were taking notes on in class for the tests.

I was hoping to really enjoy the week, but if I am 100% honest, this week I was losing morale. I was low on sleep, motivation, and confidence. My test anxiety came prowling, and I was not prepared for the toll it would take on my endurance. Slowly losing steam while getting sick, and struggling with concern that I might have covid was overwhelming.

I am so thankful for the friendships built with Jeff and Andrea Scace, as well as new-found friends in Walter, Tracy, Mendy, and Lisa. On the pool day, our jokes and laughter got me through it.

Had to get everything checked off to qualify as a “seaman”.

Studying the most terrifying realities of living on a ship. Found myself in deep dive documentaries about the Costa Concordia and The Coast Guard at night…

Found my office aboard the Africa Mercy (zoom in below!)

DECK 5, COMM. OFFICE (5213). Cannot wait!

First time trying out our SBCA (Self-contained breathing apparatus)

The Basic Training crew!

Dawning the gear (on and off, on and off)

Andrea and Jeff Scace.

Never looked hotter. (pun intended)

Thankful to live with a Nurse Practionar who had dayquil/niquil for my gross cold that had me all kind of mucus-y. sorry TMI

Immersion Suits! Keep you warm in COLLLD waters. I know they look so funny. We were timed while getting into them.

Immersion suits are not only life-saving in their ability to keep your warm, they also act as incredible flotation! We were all laughing so hard, because its really difficult to navigate in them!

Final test was flipping a life raft in the water on your own. Much harder than anticipated.

Lecture after lecture…

Playing the part of victim getting backboarded.

Andrea cheering Jeff on in our AED training.

About to be timed to get into everything under 3 minutes.

All set!

Tracy and I were partners in fighting a real fire in the container!

THATS ME! Putting out the fire!

Tracy and I exiting the container safely.

Learning hose team practices when fighting a fire.

Found myself really struggling this week with feeling alone while being sick, unsure if I could complete the week, knowing that this training would be vital in getting me to the ship. Ended up calling my mom in the middle of the night around 3am… and she graciously staying on the phone for a few hours while I calmed down and talked through the situation. Just a reminder of how important a support system is in the midst of life and especially a transition.

Probably the most counter-intuitive situation. Having to zip yourself into an oversized suit that goes up over your mouth and noes, just to climb a wobbly 3 foot box to leap into deep waters.

Anded spent the weekend sick and trying to rest up on niquil…. BUT I PASSED THE CLASS AND THAT IS WHAT COUNTS!