“I feel like I have a place in the world,” says high school senior Willow Parvati. “There’s a certain kind of confidence that comes from learning on boats. I have that skillset as a base when I go out into other parts of the world. I used to be really shy in middle school. I think maritime programs definitely helped me to be able to put myself out there a little bit more.”
Willow Parvati is currently attending the Port Townsend Maritime Academy and OCEAN school. When Willow was in 7th grade, they enrolled in Bravo Team (also known as Team Longboat), a program in partnership with OCEAN school and Northwest Maritime. They had always really enjoyed being on the water, but didn’t have much experience being on boats growing up. Summer camps or sailing lessons were pricey, but when the opportunity came to get on the water as part of a weekly class, they jumped at the chance.
That was in 2021, and school was still mostly happening online. “I didn’t know anything about the class,” says Willow. “But my teacher thought I should do it. I had no reason not to.” Many of the first class sessions, Willow was sitting in a tree in their backyard trying to share on Zoom with a spotty internet connection.
COVID restrictions started to lift in the spring, with students finally being allowed to meet in person and eventually being allowed to go boating. “We had one day that spring that we went on the water—ONCE,” remembers Willow. “I didn’t really have any idea what was going on with operating the boat, but it was the most beautiful day. It was awesome.”
After that one magical day, Willow returned to Bravo Team every year from 7th to 12th grade. “Bravo Team is an entry point to maritime experiences for a lot of students,” they said. “We meet every week and build a connection as a crew and to the longboat. The longboats are pretty great!”
Their experience with Bravo Team led them to try other types of boating. Willow joined the high school sailing team for a season, but it wasn’t their passion. “It was good to get experience on a different boat,” they said. “And I realized that I didn’t like racing. I really like more traditional boats. They’re more fun to me.”
In 10th and 11th grade, Willow joined the Community Boat Project Voyagers program. “It was great to experience different vessels and a different crew culture,” they said. Through that program, Willow connected with Salish Rescue and learned small boat operations and rescue skills. This encouraged them to volunteer with the Harbormaster crew at the Wooden Boat Festival. “I’ve met so many people from various maritime opportunities.”
When their friend Emilia adopted the boat Dorjun, Willow was there. “I remember the exact moment when she told me she was getting Dorjun; it was right at the end of my ninth-grade year. She invited me to be involved, and I was there from the get-go. I came to the boatshop almost every weekend and after school on some days during my 10th-grade year. I would pretty much just sand for hours. It was great! I loved it.”
As a senior, Willow joined the Port Townsend Maritime Academy. As part of this program, they will graduate with several credentials, including their Merchant Mariner Credential, AMSEA Drill Conductor card, Basic Keelboat certification, and First Aid and CPR.
“I’m not yet sure if I want to pursue a career in maritime, but I’m definitely keeping that option open. There are so many different directions you can go in the maritime field. I definitely want to keep getting out on the water just for fun,” says Willow.
For now, Willow has another adventure in mind. They have a goal to work and earn money for a cross-country bike trip in the summer of 2027. “I’ve been planning it since I was 11, so I’m pretty committed to it.” The spirit of adventure is alive and well!
