“My time in the NAP (1992–1995) was hugely formative. The faculty at the time–George Bass, Fred van Doorninck, Donny Hamilton, Kevin Crisman, Fred Hocker, and Shelly Wachsman–were all rigorous teachers, demanding academic excellence, honed writing, and polished presentations. The lessons I learned from them, not just about seafaring, ships, and trade, prepared me well for my subsequent academic and professional career. Those were intense, packed years, but they were at the same time immensely gratifying and joyful. The students and staff all worked hard together, played hard, and formed relationships that have lasted for decades.”