I was given the optional assignment of writing a letter to those interested in the Cal Poly at Sea program. Professor Poling, with whom I have two classes, gave me the extra incentive of extra credit, which made me all the more willing to open up my fountain of wisdom to quench the thirst of the uninformed. The structure of my letter will be things to avoid, or at least to be wary of.

1. Be wary of, and seek to maintain appropriate distance from the commandant, Miss yount. In my experience, she has proven herself to be a harsh disciplinarian who takes pleasure in rebuking people for very minor errors. A more pleasant life will result from avoiding her as much as possible.
2. Attempt to resist the lure of naps. They can consume your day and ruin your nights of sleep. In conjunction, studying on couches is to be avoided if one is to avoid such napage.
3. If one desires to maintain reasonable weight, avoid Mom's baked goods as much as possible. Mom (the baker on board) is the most wonderful, loving person on the boat; however, her cookies are the work of the devil and will result in copious and massive rolls of blubber around one's middle region.

Well, there is so much else to say, but I will refrain here in interest of brevity. I suppose I should end in a more positive suggestion. Take the advantage to improvise your way through a foreign city. Enjoy the time you have making new friends.