When the Clock Strikes 12

When a rocket is preparing to take off, the Mission Control centre has specific terminology that they follow to a tee. This language is universal and understood by all staff involved in the process. No matter where you are in the world, the specifics of this language remain constant. If you have ever heard one of these broadcasts, you likely would have heard the command officer say in their crisp yet clear voice: "T-minus 10 minutes!". This signal tells all parties involved that there is ten minutes remaining prior to launch.

As of today, my Class Afloat adventure is announcing that we have reached T-minus 30 days to departure. That is thirty days before I take off to join the journey of a lifetime; embarking on an experience that I will never forget. While I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity, as I get closer to the day, I have also been asking myself a multitude of questions. What brought me to this point in time? How will my absence from day-to-day life influence me? I have found that despite resistance at times, these questions have flooded my daily thoughts and have left me entranced. I am so grateful for the friends and family that have surrounded me for so long now and it is without a doubt that I would not be the person I am today without them. That being said, while I am so excited to be boarding the Alex-2, I can't help but find myself nervous to leave my bubble of comfort that I have settled so deeply into recently. I am certainly one to seek discomfort in my life. What is the point of living if not to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while? Over the past few years though, I have found myself happier than ever living in a bubble of safety, surrounded by loved ones in which are predictable and trustworthy. When I pack my bags and leave for Class Afloat, that will undoubtably change for me. I'll be thrusted into a new form of reality where no two days will be the same. Early mornings classes and late nights sailing will take over my life as I know it. As I reflect on my future, I can't help but be reminded that some relationships, no matter the distance, are worth fighting to the very end for and I have promised myself that while on board I will not forget that.

Recently, I was talking with one of my closest friends. Each day that we get closer to my departure, we find it harder and harder to talk about it together. My departure day has become known as the "forbidden topic". It's like a huge elephant that is sitting in the middle of the room that neither of us are willing to acknowledge. Every few days, I remember that I am getting closer to the day I leave. While this reminds me of the sadness of leaving one another, I can't help but think about the fact that this shows just how close we really are. I would argue that the past month has been one of the best ones with them. Our friendship has continued to flourish as we make the most of the time that we have together. They have seen me at my highest and my lowest and no matter what, they have stood there beside me proudly earning their place as "my ride or die". The little moments that we have make the biggest impacts and I am so thankful for them. People like this one are the type of individuals that I will miss most while on board and certainly are not the type of friendships that I am willing to lose.

So, T-30 days. While I'm sure that with a blink of an eye that will be gone, it is still thirty days to get out into the world and to surround myself with the people I care for most. Thirty days to finish courses and live in the present. Thirty days to remind myself of who I really am. But with each new day, thirty will become twenty-nine which in turn will become twenty-eight before eventually it will be launch time. The clock will strike 12 and chapter one will begin.