Cebu, Philippines — “Working away from home is far different from studying abroad. As a seafarer, it’s hard for me to work, knowing I’m far from my family, especially that I overthink a lot. I always get worried whenever I got home, admitting to myself that I do miss my loved ones. When you get sick, nobody will take care of you but yourself. Most of all, when you’re longing for your family whenever there are nights, occasions, reunions, and gatherings that you missed. Whenever that happens, I just think of the thoughts that in everything I do is for my family and my dreams.
So, my seaman-story started way back before college. My first choice was to take up any medical courses. I thought of “Nursing.” I got mesmerized by the thought of wearing white uniforms; that was what I really liked, and honestly, never had I ever thought of taking maritime courses not until the day came, and everything suddenly changed vanishing all my initial plans. What happened was still clear in my mind. There were maritime schools who went to our school and encouraged students to take up maritime courses, and after that, I suddenly had the interest and curiosity to join in. Besides, even when I was thinking of taking up a Nursing course, I felt that no one would ever support me in pursuing it because admittedly, it’s too expensive. Since my sisters would be the one who would support me financially in my studies, I once mentioned them those maritime schools that went to our school, and I could also felt that interest had poured into them. And yes, after months of contemplating and years of study and training here, I am now spending almost my entire life in the maritime field, which made me think of ‘this life I currently live in is where I am destined to be.’
When I was in college, I was appointed as a student leader, and I experienced holding big events such as founding anniversaries. I admit it pressured and stressed me so much. I never thought of it being necessary, not until I started working as a seaman, experiencing greater pressures and stressed. I realized that coping with stress while you’re away from the ones that give you strength is not that easy and will never be. Dealing with different types of people, pressures at work, thinking you might not be able to do your task right, and the fatigues that your job can cause you, these are some of the instances that give me stress and worries. I can still remember how I asked God for this moment to have my vessel for my apprenticeship, so the thing I did to cope up with stress is just simply enjoy what I am working for and merely enjoying my stay while onboard and keeping in touch with my loved ones.
The moment I started my career, this one is by far the best realization for me throughout my transition as a seafarer. Don’t be afraid to experience something you are most good at it. As I’ve mentioned earlier, where I am today, never crossed my mind even once before I step on my first milestone. Thus, I didn’t really see myself on a male dominated course. When I started studying Marine Transportation, it was almost new to me especially the environment. I barely had a female classmates. This maybe was not my dream but this is where I think I am destined.
Life is never easy but don’t ever allow negativities to put you down, that will just give you another stress. Most of all, always look up from above. Pray and ask for His guidance throughout your journey.”
Khatmar Jones A. Martinez, Seafarer
Story of Every Juan 