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JOURNALIST AT SEA

Day 14: Passion

11/19/2015

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Passion--that little flame that you just can’t seem to put out.  When you come across it, you know, there is no question. We will all feel it in our lifetimes, the lucky ones find a purpose in it and the truly blessed approach everything they do with an equal dose of this powerful energy.  


There is no shortage of passion on this ship.  When you think about it, to devote a month of your life to discovery, you have to love what you do.   The crew can spend up to six months at sea.  I asked the Captain if he misses home while he is “out here” and he told me, “ this is not here, it’s just not there.” Translation-this is his home.  


I ran across a scientist today who was excited about….poop! Yeah, poop.  Turns out it is pretty powerful stuff. Phytoplankton gives off oxygen, Zooplankton eats the Phytoplankton and poops.  In turn, the waste material sucks CO2 out of the air before sinking.  Someday, thousands of years from now, it might mean oil.  Wow-right! Next time you swallow a big gulp of salt water think on that.


Though my fire is fueled by something a bit different from the scientists, I am amazed at the parallels between our crafts.  They are here to discover the unknown; I am here for the untold story. In that, there is sacrifice. There are holidays without family, long hours and moments that test your resilience.  Heck, test your level of passion.  

The sacrifice is shared burden. I was reminded of this after posting pictures of the rough sea today.  At some point, everyone here signed up for this. The support is owned by those that take this journey with us.  The parents, partners and children that worry about our safety, while we embrace the good fortune of finding something we find a calling in.. So, thank you!

After looking at one of the scientists breathtaking photos today, I suggested that he consider a career change.  Without hesitation he said, “not a chance,” and I thought--I know what you mean.

Goodnight!
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    ​Nicole Estaphan

    I love surprises, they give us the opportunity to dive into the unknown with unquenchable curiosity.  Two years ago, I made the decision to leave my job as an Atlanta television reporter. I moved home to Massachusetts and found myself on Cape Cod with no job and no idea of what was next, no idea about the pure magic that was about to enter my life.  A friend of mine called and asked me to do a favor for a small radio station where she had just taken a job.  All I had to do was go to Woods Hole, MA and interview a scientist about a mission called the NASA_NAAMES project.  That scientist would end up changing my life and perspective in ways I am still trying to find the words to fully explain.  After a discussion about their impending journey at sea--an invitation to join them. Though, Mike Behrenfeld and I still disagree on who asked who we DO agree on the result--a fantastic partnership was born.  With less than twenty four hours notice I was on a ship headed to parts of the North Atlantic that few ever see in winter AND for good reason!! The conditions can be intense!   At the time, given the challenges at sea and my video equipment being limited to one tiny little camera .
    (RE: 24 hours notice) this blog became a way for me to communicate with the family members whose loved ones were so far away.  Giving them an onboard look at the fascinating work at the hands of those they call family. Fast forward we are at it again!! This time as the scientists dive deeper into all that is unseen in our oceans--we will dive deeper into their research, the incredible sacrifices that come with that and the love that fuels their mission of discovery. The journey continues March 20th.....

    The Ship

    The R/V Atlantis is an impressive ship, a 275-foot, steel-hulled research vessel operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 

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