In the End, an Education

From Scott, I learned to keep it cool, to listen before you speak. Never underestimate the power of an easy smile and a gentle, insane sense of humor to get you past the Lazy Daisy. Yeah, I put him on a pedestal but Instead of standing, he sits with his shirt off, playing his guitar, drawing no more attention to himself than a wind-danced tree branch.

From Tim, I learned to be open to any activity at any time. A run? A sail? A fire outside Roe? It’s all great provided you’re with the right people. What was he about to do before I asked him to drive to Port Henry with me? What was he up to before I was ready to leave the Marina?

From Matt, I had a friend. A ‘other half’ to match my nerdy curiosity, an artist who I look up to endlessly.

From Jane, I learned to be elegant and eloquent. Stick to your principals and work hard. In a world of testosterone and immaturity, a proper cocktail and an intelligent conversation can act as a lighthouse guiding you back to respecting others.

From Peter, I learned that it’s okay to have fun, especially late at night. In fact, fun might be necessary to coincide with amazing work. Watching him through a Canon Vixia HF20, I saw the kind of teacher I wish I had and the kind of teacher I hope to be.

From James, I learned just how hard I’d have to work, just how big I’d have to become, to earn the Last Whistle Dedication. More than a man, he embodies the Dudley spirit every day.

From Ryan, I learned not to sit down. Sitting down lets you fall asleep where standing lets you get the job (all the jobs) done. It’s okay to be amazing; especially when your presence raises everyone around you.

From Tom, I learned to relax. It’s all good. Without him, I would be a spinnaker in a tornado.

From Lauren, I learned to be consistent. If you’re the same person in January that you are in July, everyone can count on you to be true to your word and true to yourself.

From Corey, I learned that all the googling in the world doesn’t hold a candle to strapping the kite to your wrist and figuring it out as you go. Sometimes, you have to get up, get out and go for it.

From Wilbur, I found an oasis in confusion and intensity of working at Camp. Always there in his E-town Castle, ready to take me in.

And from Wendy, I learned how to be a friend. True friends love you unconditionally: the good, bad, and everything in between. It’s hard work, and she makes it look easy.