Finally Captain: A Long-Awaited Achievement

Last week, I accomplished something I've been dreaming about for years – I passed my captain exams. As I sit here reflecting on this milestone, I'm struck by how the journey to get here mirrors so many of the life lessons I try to share with my students about persistence and prioritization. 

The Challenge of Time

Between my demanding work schedule, quality family time, and staying current in a field where new technologies emerge almost daily, finding dedicated study time felt nearly impossible. As an engineering professor, I consistently observe how rapidly our field evolves, requiring both my students and myself to embrace lifelong learning - though finding the time for this continuous education presents a significant challenge. Between teaching loads, grant commitments, and administrative responsibilities, each semester brings new pressure to integrate cutting-edge topics into our curriculum.  The irony wasn't lost on me that I teach others about learning and managing complex technical challenges while struggling to carve out time for my own personal goals.

 

Four Exams

The captain licensing process requires passing four comprehensive exams, each covering different aspects of maritime knowledge and safety protocols. Every time I thought I could block off a few days to focus, a new semester would start, or a major technology shift would require me to completely revamp my curriculum. Students depend on faculty to stay current with industry standards, and there is no way I could let that commitment slide.

 

Finding the Balance

What finally made the difference was treating my exam preparation like I teach my students to approach complex projects – breaking it into manageable chunks and finding study opportunities in unexpected moments. Early morning sessions before others woke up, audio review during workouts, and yes, even squeezing in practice questions between classes.

 

The Sweet Victory

Receiving that passing score email last week felt incredible. It wasn't just about achieving a personal goal – it was proof that even with a packed schedule and competing priorities, persistence pays off. The experience has given me new appreciation for my students who are juggling their own complex lives while trying to master rapidly evolving technology. Whether they're studying circuit design, complex communications protocols, or advanced mathematics, they're doing it while managing work, family, and countless other responsibilities.

 

What's Next

Now that I have my captain's license and semi-retired, I'm looking forward to combining my love of the water with quality family time and of course part-time learning and teaching. But more importantly, this achievement has reminded me that growth never stops – whether you're learning new maritime skills or staying current with the latest communication protocols.

To the students reading this: if a 68 (almost 69 ugh) year old professor can finally pass his captain exams after years of "someday I'll find the time," you can absolutely conquer whatever technical challenge you're facing right now. Sometimes the biggest obstacles aren't the material itself, but finding the time and persistence to see it through.

 

Fair winds and following seas – both on the water and in the classroom.