Student Profile
Leading by Example
Haley Eckert '16 heads into the Global Logistics & Maritime
Management master's program with quiet confidence and
award-winning accomplishment.
You just returned from a study abroad trip to Ireland. What
was your take-away?
It was a three-week study course with Professors Kim and Leon Raikes
and nine other students. While I already have my undergraduate degree in
Marine Engineering Technology and didn't need the humanities credits, I
couldn't pass up the travel opportunity, nor would I have been able to rival
the Raikes' 28 years of experience with Ireland as a conventional tourist.
From living in thatched roof cottages with turf fires in Tul ycross in
the Connemara and having dinner in Bunratty Castle to seeing the lost
city at Clonmacnoise, the passage tomb of Newgrange and 6,000-year-old
dolmens, I was able to see and appreciate things most tourists wouldn't. We
learned about the land, the geology, archeology, history, mythology, religion
and literature that made Ireland what it is. I was glad to get away from the
fast-paced ways of the U.S. and the sense of entitlement that modernization
has brought, and instead, see a culture that has more reverence for the land,
nature and a global awareness.
Photo by Billy Sims
Why did you attend MMA?
Being an only child of a single mother, finances were certainly a factor.
Between the short-term cost of enrollment and long-term career prospects,
How have you been involved as a member of the Alpha Phi
MMA was the best choice. I wanted to push myself and pursue a career that
not many of my high school peers would. Plus, I like competing in what has
Omega fraternity?
previously been a predominantly male industry, engineering.
Since initiation in 2012, I've been historian, service vice president and presi-
I also chose to join the Regiment of Midshipmen. I love the sense of con-
dent. I've co-organized Girl Scout Sail Away with Admissions, co-organized
nection and tradition that comes with such a smal school and the shipping
Klondike Derbies, organized Castine Easter and Halloween events, and
industry. I'm glad I chose the path less traveled.
served as the student coordinator for Red Cross blood drives at MMA.
What has been most challenging?
What career would you like to pursue?
By far it has been learning about engines, propulsion systems and general
I'm undecided as to whether I'l ship on my 3rd A/E license or pursue jobs
plant operations, as I came in with no personal or family background in
in the business sector, perhaps with marketing and philanthropic efforts for
engineering, mechanics or maritime services.
shipping or engineering companies working to develop a good rapport with
communities or clients.
You are a two-sport athlete?
My freshman and sophomore year, I was a member of the soccer team and
What makes you a good job candidate?
subsequently joined the cross country team. Later, I joined the women's
My attention to detail, work ethic, sense of commitment to the job and
lacrosse team in its first NCAA season. I'm listed as a defensive player, but
company loyalty. I don't do things impulsively, so whether it's been with
depending on how a game is going, Coach Gombar may put me in at mid-
sports, organizations or academics, I'm in for the long haul. I hate quitting
field, attack, or taking the draw. It teaches one to adapt.
things to a fault.
What are other activities you have on your slate?
You just received the Phyllis Tenney Community Service and
I've been a member of the student conduct panel for three years, two years
Leadership Award. What are your thoughts on this recognition?
on yearbook staff, and in much lesser capacities I've been a member of the
Honestly, I'm more proud of being selected for this award by my peers and
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Women on the Water,
the faculty than passing my 3rd A/E license exams or graduating, because it
MMA College Republicans club, and the newly chartered chapter of Society
speaks to who I am and what's important to me on a human level.
of Women Engineers.
mainemaritime.edu
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