For whatever reason compels you to take a class at MBAC and learn a new sport, many people find that the skills that they learn open new doors and send them down a path they never imagined. MBAC Sailing Instructor Laura Coleman is a prime example of a student whose curiosity about sailing led to learning as much as she could and eventually earning a spot as an instructor.
Laura first became interested in sailing after spending some time on a sailboat with a friend. While her first official task as a sailor was watching out for seaweed, she developed enough interest to sign up for one of MBAC’s semester-long sailing classes. She spent a full semester learning beginning sailing, sailing Sabots and Holder 14’s, and knew that she was hooked on the sport.
After completing Beginning Sailing, a semester of Hobie Catamaran sailing came next. And when she completed Hobie, she applied the skills she’d learned to renting boats and taking friends out sailing whenever she could. It wasn’t long before she realized that teaching sailing was a great way to combine her passion for teaching with her new found love of sailing.
The following summer Laura applied for a summer job at MBAC. Having a more limited resume in sailing she initially didn’t stand out in the list of sailing instructor candidates and was passed up in the hiring process. Not to give up so easy, Laura applied as a camp counselor and earned a spot as a Marine Science Counselor. MBAC Assistant Director, Kevin Waldick, says that Laura was an easy hire due to her positive attitude and enthusiasm, and her clear passion for teaching.
“Laura really stood out during the interview process,” states Waldick. “Her enthusiasm was contagious and she was clearly going to be a great part of camp.”
Laura spent the summer teaching marine science and became a favorite camp counselor to many campers. She also found time to expand her sailing education, and sat in on sailing classes to learn about becoming an instructor.
Since that time, Laura has completed much of her training and has earned a spot as a sailing instructor. She enjoys sharing her experience with others and boasts that her favorite part of teaching is the great atmosphere at MBAC.
If you take a weekend sailing recreation class, or one of the many semester-long class offerings this spring, Laura may very well be sharing that experience with you.