From Antigua and Barbuda to IYRS - Luca Deleau Jagerschmidt '24

I am an 18-year-old international student from Antigua and Barbuda with a deep passion for sailing. I was on the lookout for an efficient way to kickstart my career in the marine industry. I was seeking to build a solid foundation that would expand my knowledge in the maritime industry and it is what drew me to the Marine Systems program at IYRS. 

What I found at IYRS was a perfect match for my goals. Newport Harbor is a hotspot for yachting and a perfect place to make valuable connections in the industry. The program itself offers a fast-paced, hands-on approach that was exactly what I needed to gain confidence in using various shop tools. Moreover, it has been instrumental in teaching me the value of both independent work and collaborative efforts within a group setting. By combining theoretical lectures with practical shop use, I've witnessed significant progress in my capabilities in just a few weeks. The credit for this growth can be attributed to the instructors who not only possess real-life insights into the industry, but also have different perspectives to offer. Their friendliness and unwavering support have made me feel extremely comfortable both in the classroom and the workshop. 

My ultimate decision to choose IYRS was fueled by my desire to jumpstart my career as a young technician. The school's externship program will provide me with the assurance and freedom to begin a career that’s aligned with my passion, along with ABYC, NMEA, and Yamaha certifications. This will prove to be an extremely valuable opportunity to shadow industry professionals in my intended line of work as an onboard engineer.  

I'm absolutely thrilled to continue the program, and being in Newport has shown me a wealth of opportunities for my future which I’m excited to pursue.