Port #15: Dominica

Dominica was our last pot-of-call.  A Caribbean island to round out the 16 city, 14 country tour of the Atlantic Rim.  The island visit was overshadowed by the tragic boating accident and death of a student – Casey Schulman.  Casey was a bright, engaging student who modeled kindness, generosity, a positive attitude, and optimism.  Although I do not recall having any conversations with her, without fail, Casey would acknowledge my presence with beaming smile whenever we crossed paths.  It was a smile of sincerity.  She authentically acknowledged my presence, as she did with everyone else on the voyage, whether she was a close friend or not.  Her passing was incredibly difficult for the entirety of the shipboard community, especially for the 50 or so students who were with her in those final hours. 

Although there was significant grieving and a profound sense of loss, her passing created a space for the entirety of the shipboard community to come together and celebrate the blessings and transformation that was the whole of the voyage.  Our community reached new levels of connectedness, which only enhanced the experience as we rounded out the tour de Atlantic.  As a community, in just a week’s time we balanced feelings of devastation with feelings of joy.  Although Casey’s passing was a tragic part of the experience, it was one part of a truly learning-filled and transformative voyage around the Atlantic.   

In addition to being available and responding to student needs the night of Day One and throughout Day Two of Dominica, I was able to venture out and explore the tropical island.  I visited The Emerald Lagoon, and took a driving tour through the heart of the lush, mountainous island.  On the second day, I went snorkeling in the Champagne Reef.