The Unexpected Catch: Friendship at Sea

One Random Room Assignment

When I graduated from college and entered the workforce, I never imagined my path would lead me to becoming a fisheries observer. It wasn’t exactly a career I had planned, but looking back, I’m so glad it found me.

Before the month-long training began, I was assigned a random roommate. Like anyone would be, I was hoping she’d be nice and maybe, if I was lucky, I’d walk away with a new friend.

The first time I met Jada at the hotel, we both looked a little overwhelmed. I remember blurting out, “I’m so nervous and scared.”

Without missing a beat, she smiled and said, “I feel the same exact way.”

At that moment, all the uncertainty seemed a little less intimidating. We were both stepping into something completely new, and knowing someone else felt the same made all the difference. From that day on, I knew I’d found a friend I could lean on, laugh with, and confide in throughout this incredible journey. And lean on her I did.

My First Trip as an Observer

The day finally came to put everything I’d learned into practice, and I was terrified.

Training had prepared us well—maybe a little too well. We constantly heard, “Keep your head on a swivel,” and, “Make sure you’re observing everything.” By the time my first trip arrived, my mind was racing. What if I miss something? What should I do if I realize I made a mistake?

As I stood on the dock before boarding, my nerves were impossible to hide. Thankfully, I was met by one of my mentors. We sat in her car for a few minutes while I unloaded every fear running through my head.

She listened, smiled, and gave me advice I’ll never forget.