Boat Parade

On October 7th, 2019, we gathered some seniors and we went to the annual boat parade. This was my first year going and I enjoyed the experience. We took Privateer, we got the boat prepared and we put up the International Maritime Signal Flags and made the boat look nice for the parade. We knew a lot of professional people were going to be there so we as high school students had to act professionally and we never knew whom we could meet at these events. It was nerve-racking to be in this professional setting since this was my first time I didn’t know what to expect since I'm a shy person I didn’t want to go up and start a conversation with someone but everyone was nice and welcoming we got our lounge area where we could eat and talk. We met many people and we caught up with people that we already knew. We met the Sector of New York, Jason Tama it was an amazing experience to get to meet him, he talked a little bit about what he did since I want to join the military I found it interesting. I told him that I wanted to join the Navy and he was trying to persuade me into going into the USCG he told me to go and talk to the Coast Guard recruiters and just hear them out. After we stayed for a little longer to see the rest of the boats and interact with each other.

~Citlali Bello