The 21-year-old daughter of Elaine and Clayton Strowbridge recently realized her goal when she graduated from the Marine Institute’s four-year Nautical Science program this past spring.
During the graduation ceremony in June, Samantha received a ‘Marine Institute Bronze Medal’, which is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall average in the final year of each of the school’s programs.
Not only that, she was also presented with the ‘Governor General’s Medal’, recognizing her for the highest academic standing for all diploma level programs.
Ms. Strowbridge was surprised by the news while on her way to pick up her dress for the grad.
“They called a few days before to make sure that I wasn’t going out on a boat before the ceremony, just to make sure that I would be there to receive it.”
The Nautical Science Program prepares students to qualify for Transport Canada’s Watchkeeping Mate certificate of competency, thus allowing them to sail anywhere in the world as an officer on a variety of ships. Students also receive credits towards the agency’s examinations and sea service exemptions.
Ms. Strowbridge accepted a job with St. John’s-based Atlantic Towing Ltd. in April, and has already completed two 28-day trips on the ‘Atlantic Hawk’.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. Well, that’s where I did most of my work term to, so I knew pretty well right away that that’s where I wanted to work if the opportunity ever came up.”
Thanks to all her hard work and effort, it did!
pherridge@southerngazette.ca
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