Brother Jace Duhon, Theta Rho/McNeese 2013, recently reached out to us to share his story of his adventures as a participant of the Semester at Sea program. Thank you bother Duhon for sharing this amazing experience with us! The photos were taken at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, from the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Salisbury Cathedral, at an elementary school in Ghana, and Plaza de España in Spain. Read about Brother Duhon's experience below:
In the fall of 2012, I was blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime. A study abroad experience which led me to 15 countries in a span of 107 days. Nothing can replace the memories and revolutionary people that made this life-altering journey.
Whether it was camping at Stonehenge in England, helping orphanages in Ghana, shark cage diving in South Africa, or swimming with piranhas in the Amazon, Semester at Sea changed my life for the better. I, as well as thousands of others, will never be the same.
Semester at Sea is not a typical study abroad program. Academically sponsored by the University of Virginia, this program challenges students to maximize their potential in and outside the classroom. In one semester, a student typically earns 12-15 college credits taught by world-class professors. Explorations into these new and unique areas serve as powerful lab experiences to complement classes taught onboard the ship. Semester at Sea also provides prominent guest lecturers, frequent seminars, numerous philanthropy opportunities to lend an assisting hand, and leadership positions for their students' academic and personal growth, serving as a catalyst for uncovering one's potential.
No event or moment has been more influential upon my life than Semester at Sea. 98% of SAS alumni report that this program was their most significant college experience. As an SAS alumnus, I can vouch for their website statements which include that SAS leads to an “improved understanding of the world, greater awareness of cultural differences, improved flexibility and understanding of multiple perspectives, and improved self-confidence and autonomy.”
One's full potential is unknown until a step is taken outside of their comfort zone. Semester at Sea not only facilitated my step, they provided a launching pad to dive into new leadership positions and foreign lands. I was able to engage strangers of different cultures and build lifelong friendships all while striving to be a more efficient scholar and encouraging a successful and diverse peer group. Most importantly, my mindset has been forever altered. After volunteering with children in Ghana and living with locals in the Amazon Rainforest, I no longer allow my blessings to go unappreciated.
Semester at Sea transformed this Cajun boy into a well-traveled, educated man. This adventure of a lifetime revealed the benefits of courage, commitment, and academic excellence, resulting an unparalleled experience and a newfound unwavering confidence.
My brothers, if you wish to improve, demonstrate Truth, Temperance, and Tolerance on a worldwide scale, and maximize your potential, there is simply no better way to do so than Semester at Sea. Find the scholarships (they are out there, I promise), get a passport, and take the plunge. You won’t regret it.
With Love and Respect,
Jace Duhon
Theta Chi-Theta Rho Chapter
McNeese State University
See a Youtube video of Jace's Semester at Sea below.