UMGC learner makes journey from military meteorology to Antarctica
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)learnersdo incredible things in every corner of the world,whiletaking classesand beyond.
RetiredU.S. Air ForceMaster Sergeant Raymond Polasky, whotookon his way to a Community College of the Air Force(CCAF)degreeinmeteorology, recently spent six months in Antarctica, doing weather forecasting operations at McMurdo Station. In the process, headded to his arsenal of knowledge whilebecomingone ofa tinypercentage of people who have lived on the continent.
Before Antarctica, Polasky traveled the worldduring a24-yearcareerwith the Air Force. One of thosedeploymentsopened a door toattaininga degree as an adult.
It came together while stationed atAli Al SalemAir Base in Kuwait. UMGC has a site there, and more than 175classroomand servicelocations worldwide, part of its vow to meet learners where they are.
“There is a huge benefitof availability in deployed locations. UMGC provided the courses I neededto gettheCCAFdegree, whenand whereI wanted,”Polasky said.
A career shiftadvances knowledge
Polasky’s time in the military took him tonumerouslocations, but he first spent untold hours staring at fences. Initially joining the Air Force as part of its security regiment, watch duty was a big part of the job. Polasky soon realized itwasn’twhat he wanted to do, so he decided to cross-train inmeteorology.
Polasky pointed out that he completed an apprenticeship to learn a new field.It’sa tale that aligns closely with UMGC’s focus on adult education, on-the-job learning, and service.
“You start out doing basic forecasting. You grow a little, then go to the next skill level,” he said.
Over the years that followed,throughout his meteorological career in the Air Force, Polasky deployed to war zones among other global locations. During that time, he forecastedfor U.S. Central Command, U.S. Africa Command, and special operations.
Taking the leap, and finding community
It was along this road that Polasky realized he wanted to get a degree.
“As an older guy, I wasa bitscared of trying something new,” Polasky said. “UMGC had positive reviews and the ability for classroom education on base.”
Teachers with deep commitment helped guide him while offering community.
"You never lose contact," Polasky said. “Even if it’s only one class with a teacher, you stay in touch after.”
Hespoke of a particular fondness for.An overseas collegiate professorwith UMGC since 2010,Grantteacheswriting, mythology, and speech tomilitary learners across Asia and the Middle East.
"She'd been educating the troops for years on-site in dangerous places,” he said.“You could tell it was her passion and she wanted to be an awesome teacher. That pushed us to do our best."
Fromforecasting for the battlefieldto Antarctica
Fresh off a six-month seasonal stint forecasting weather in Antarctica, a place he points out only0.0185percent of peoplevisit,Polasky reflected on the latest leg of his journey.
“I knew it was ahuge commitmentbut told myself it’s worth theriskto dosomethingI have never heard of anyonedoing,other than the person who let me know aboutthe opportunity,” he said.
Many of the same influences that put him on a path to discover UMGC drew him to Antarctica.
"It was the right time and the right place," Polasky said.
Harkening back to his adult learning in the Air Force and at t ɫֱȫ, therewere new opportunities toexpand his knowledge.
“Everything spins backwards. Weather models would call for doom and gloom, but mountains and other topography block it,” he noted. “You get down there and come to realize everything you thought you knew is different.”
As someone whodoesn’tshy away from a challenge, Polaskydovein.
“I had to attend a meteorological ground school,” he said. “It was a chance to start fresh and pick up additional skills.”
Forging ahead
Polasky's story—like so many UMGCstudents—is ofsomeone who keeps pushing forward, keeps learning.
Early this year, he left the frozen continent and its waddling seals and penguins. The perpetual summer sun was about to set, and research center operations were beginning a shift to wintertime basics. It was time for the next turn on the winding path, buthis time in Antarctica isapart of his career Polaskywill alwayshold dear.
“If you want to workhard, buthave an amazing experience—do it!”hesaid.
It’sa philosophy that applies equally to Antarctica and UMGC.
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