Wednesday morning started like any other day in Jeremy Hark's fourth grade class. Students settled down to work on their first assignment of the day.
Then the young students' eyes darted to the door as Midshipman 4th Class Charlie Malone '16 entered the classroom in full uniform. "I really liked his uniform. It was very formal, and I liked how he tucked and folded his hat into his belt," observed Dylan Lorello.
After graduating in June, Charlie retired his classic EA blazer and tie for the uniform worn at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. "I was drawn to the regimented lifestyle as I wish to pursue a career in the military," explained Charlie. "I really enjoy taking the classes that are different from most schools, like Engineering Systems and Safety, Vessel Familiarization, Coastal Navigation, Naval Science, and being able to travel the world as part of my college education."
His days begins at 4:30 a.m. with a rigorous workout, followed by room and uniform inspections. Charlie explained to students, "On a ship, it is especially important to have a clean room to cut down on illness." His shoes are also expected to be shined to perfection daily.
Mr. Hark's class first met the EA alum "virtually" when they began participating in the Mass Maritime Academy's Follow The Voyage Program. Charlie and 700 fellow cadets left in early-January on Sea Term, a six-week term at sea onboard the TS Kennedy.
"He made it sound like something we could do one day. It also seems like he made the right choice because he seemed so happy," said Elizabeth Hug.
In December, the 4th graders began their own preparation for the Voyage by reading the Newberry Award Winning book Carry on Mr. Bowditch. The book is about a young 18th century math and nautical wizard who grows up in a sailor's world. The class followed the Voyage by reading the ship's daily blog and following the ship's tracker.
"It was great to have Charlie visit the class. Since we have been following his voyage, it was great for the students to see him in person and hear about his experience," said Mr. Hark.
"As a freshman, I spent half of the cruise on the engineering side and half on the deck side," said Charlie.
After leaving their base in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, the crew made port calls in Aruba, Barbados, St. Thomas, and Fort Lauderdale. Charlie learned about vessel security, meteorology piloting, firefighting, and various rope and knot skills. When asked to describe the overall experience of Sea Term, Charlie quickly responded, "It was
awesome!"
"One night as we were in the North Atlantic, Titanic was playing during dinner," shared Charlie. "We thought it was rather ironic that they played a movie about a ship sinking on board a ship." He pointed out, "A lot of sailors are superstitious." The ship safely returned to Buzzard's Bay on February 19.
For Calvin Mackenzie, "It really gave me a taste of how life would be as a cadet."
After spending time with the 4th graders, Charlie attended Chapel and then spoke with the Middle School Diversity Council. He discussed the bonding experience of serving at sea with people from all kinds of backgrounds.
Throughout his morning on campus, eyes continuously zeroed in on the intricacies of his uniform. "I feel a tremendous amount of pride in wearing the uniform everyday," said Charlie. "It can be annoying at times because of the amount of attention to detail it requires, but it is a symbol of the hard work we put it in to earn it."
"And, it is nice not having to worry about what I am going to wear to class in the morning," Charlie says with his endearing smile.
Upon graduation, Charlie hopes to work on LNG tankers or receive an active duty commission in the Navy.