Education on deck
by Michèle Nardelli
Sailing into Port Adelaide’s inner harbour late last year the crew of the
Young Endeavour could not have been more diverse. But they scrambled up the masts as one, taking up some practiced positions out on the yardarms...like so many birds on a wire.
For UniSA fourth year Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) student Taryn May, the week long journey was one of those experiences that needs time to be processed.
"It took me out of my comfort zone on a lot of levels," May said. "I got seasick and I survived. I mixed with a whole group of people who were so different from each other and from me – but we worked together and took control of the ship for a whole day – without any disasters.
"I think I will be processing a lot of these interactions and experiences for a while – the trip was impressive – and something I feel I have really learned from."
As the first recipient of the Cowan Young Endeavour Practicum Grant, funded by Cowan Grant Pty Ltd, May’s entire berth and transportation costs were covered through the $5000 grant scheme.
"The journey covered by this grant is a fantastic opportunity for any student from any discipline and I am grateful I have been supported to do it," May says.
"Quite a few of the other young people on this journey had to scrimp and save for the opportunity so I consider myself privileged."
UniSA Deputy Director of Development, Yvonne Clark says the skills development opportunity provided by the Cowan Young Endeavour initiative highlights the value of real world experiences in complementing formal education.
"The voyage on the Young Endeavour provides a unique and challenging opportunity for young people to develop their leadership, team work and interpersonal skills as they learn to sail the ship and work as part of a crew," Clark said.
"Through the generosity of donors such as Bob Cowan, we are able to offer something for our students that takes them beyond the lecture theatre to test themselves in other contexts.
"The Young Endeavour experience does call on some of the same qualities we value in our UniSA graduates – team work, initiative, communication – at the same time it offers personal and physical challenges never found in the classroom."
Young Endeavour voyages have been operating since 1988 when the ship was given to the people of Australia as a Bicentennial gift. The Cowan Young Endeavour Practicum Grant will be available again in 2009. More information is available at the Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences undergraduate scholarships website.