Voyage of a Lifetime for Alice Teen
by Young Endeavour 8 Jun 2018 22:17 PDT
Voyage of a Lifetime for Alice Teen © Commonwealth of Australia
A curiosity for life beyond Alice Springs inspired 17-year-old Jessica Abbott to join tall ship STS Young Endeavour for an adventure at sea.
The Year 12 student spotted a Young Endeavour poster at boarding school, and with a little encouragement from a boarding mistress travelled from the Northern Territory to Eden in New South Wales.
The shy student joined 18 other young Australians on a voyage to Sydney and said that being on a boat was well beyond her realm of experience.
"Stepping onto Young Endeavour was the first time that I'd been on a ship. It was a little scary at first, but I really enjoyed it," Jessica said.
"When I arrived I knew absolutely no one, but the staff crew did a great job of organising activities were we all got to know everyone."
During her 11- day voyage, Jessica lived and work with a youth from across Australia and was encouraged to pursue personal and team goals as she learnt to sail the square-rigged tall ship.
"I was really quite and timid at first, but my friends on board helped to bring out the best in me. They were really helpful, caring and loving," Jessica said.
"Alice Springs is really small, so it was great to go out into the world and discover that there are really good people out there."
"One of the best things for me was getting some confidence and learning new things."
Jessica's voyage explored spectacular parts of the New South Wales coast. The youth crew had time to use the rope swing and to go ashore.
"Climbing the mast was amazing. Being up so high and watching the beautiful view of the ocean and the land was spectacular. I was able to really connect to nature and be at peace," Jessica said.
"Life at sea was like being in another world. The crew became like family. It was just love and happiness. Everyone was always smiling and laughing. I honestly felt so sad at the end of the voyage."
"Now I'm back at school I'm telling other people who are interested that if they're thinking about it they should just do it. You don't know what you'll get out of it unless you try."