Taking off the Mask

By Judah Specht, Volunteer Crew

SALTS isn’t only a time to build community, but it is also a time for individuals to reflect and to be vulnerable. This year for boat Sunday, we had an amazing discussion with trainees about what it means to reflect and be vulnerable with each other and one’s self and how looking back and reflecting on your past can often help you figure out where you want to go in the future. I know I have done a lot of reflecting the past while as I am in a period of transition and I found myself using the 10 days on SALTS as a time to reflect upon who I was, who I am and who I want myself to be. SALTS has challenged me so much in the past, challenged me to take action, to speak my truth and now has challenged me to think about who I am and what my values and hopes are because that is what SALTS does: it challenges, builds up and cares for. 

Now, when I say SALTS, I mean the people because ultimately, the people and the community is what this beautiful organization is made up of. SALTS is one big family that works to create and facilitate the creation of strong tight-knit communities. SALTS is a place where people can be themselves and not worry about having to put a mask on. They can take the mask off, show their true colours and be loved for it and for who they are. SALTS takes time to get to know each individual and tell them “You are Special”, “You are Loved” and “You Matter”. The fact that this is what the community looks like aboard these ships is truly beautiful and special thing.