It is our privilege to teach an Institute class at the United State Merchant Marine Academy at the tip of a tiny peninsula in the quiet little hamlett of Kings Point, New York. Our travel time from our apartment is about one hour. Since we began teaching there in January, at the beginning of our mission, we would have one or possibly two students. One of those is now leaving for a full time mission and the other is out to sea. We have recently met three new young men - Garrett who had been out to sea until now, and two new plebes, Josh and Jon, who just arrived at the academy in mid-July.
It was just a day or two before we began teaching again at the academy that we happened to notice a Princeton University publication online about colleges in the USA. Of particular note was that the USMMA was the #1 college with the "most unhappy students." We had a pretty good idea why, but asked our young men. The first year is extremely difficult! Some things they mentioned were:
- No phone privileges - just one 5-minute call per week on Sunday for the entire first year
- Intense course work and an overload of homework
- No leaving campus - even to attend Church on Sunday
- No food or treats in the dorms
- The upper-class men can taunt them, even force them to serve them, etc.
Especially under these circumstances, it is important for us to help them realize who they are and whose they are - to help them stay positive and focused on spiritual things in the midst of great opposition. These young men have chosen to discuss the missionary manuel - Preach My Gospel. We have felt their goodness and their deep spiritual awareness as we have discussed together this course of study, their plans and their goals. Institute is a marvelous social and spiritual event - with food!
USMMA students G. Heaps, (visitor) K. Petrano and students J. Miller and J. Porter stand in one of the chapels on the campus at Kings Point, NY where we hold our Institute class each Monday evening. They are a small group in comparison to other ecclesiastical groups on campus, but these young men are select and strong. The spirit is always present.
2 comments:
I remember what breath of fresh air it was to attend church while I was in army basic training. Those plebes must love you and your classes! God bless them.
What a great opportunity you have here to truly bless lives and what a inspired idea to teach from PMG. All will be uplifted and edified. We are most grateful for your great example of service. We're trying to follow in your footsteps.
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