I rub the sleep out of my eyes and check my watch. It’s 2:57am. Too early for coffee. I take a sip of cold water, pretend I am fully awake, and click on the meeting link on the computer screen in front of me.

A Zoom window pops open, and I suddenly see 20 fifth grade students waving enthusiastically at me. I can’t help but smile. It’s the middle of the night and I’m very tired, but their enthusiasm is contagious.

I quickly confirm with the teacher that they are ready to get started, then I launch into my spiel.

“Hi everyone! My name is Marley and I’m the Communications Lead aboard the E/V Nautilus. I’m currently sitting in our studio, inside our Control Van. Right now we are 60 miles southwest of Hawai’i…”