Isolation in the AMs really makes you think. The little things in life taken for granted, can make all the difference in the world on cruise. You never really appreciate sleep without the noise of machinery below, or showers where you don't need to hold on to keep from falling as the ship rolls, until you don't have them. Going home after cruise is more appealing than any vacation. As a second classman, there is more to do on watch.
Rounds take up a good portion of the time.
Still, I find myself daydreaming of holding my girl friend's hand, playing with my dogs, or having breakfast with my father. I know that these late night watch sessions will be seen as some of the best nights of my life. I know that sounds like something my parents would say, but I believe that some of the best times of your life are only realized as such, after they are gone. I didn't know what to expect when the ship left the dock at SUNY Maritime College. I had heard horror stories of sweat and unbearable work.