UMGC learner makes journey from military meteorology to Antarctica
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) learners do incredible things in every corner of the world, while taking classes and beyond.
Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Raymond Polasky, who took general education courses at UMGC on his way to a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) degree in meteorology, recently spent six months in Antarctica, doing weather forecasting operations at McMurdo Station. In the process, he added to his arsenal of knowledge while becoming one of a tiny percentage of people who have lived on the continent.
Before Antarctica, Polasky traveled the world during a 24-year career with the Air Force. One of those deployments opened a door to attaining a degree as an adult.
It came together while stationed at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. UMGC has a site there, and more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, part of its vow to meet learners where they are.
“There is a huge benefit of availability in deployed locations. UMGC provided the courses I needed to get the CCAF degree, when and where I wanted,” Polasky said.
A career shift advances knowledge
Polasky’s time in the military took him to numerous locations, 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 it wasn’t what he wanted to do, so he decided to cross-train in meteorology.
Polasky pointed out that he completed an apprenticeship to learn a new field. It’s a 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 forecasted for 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 was a bit scared 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.”
He spoke of a particular fondness for Joanna Grant, PhD. An overseas collegiate professor with UMGC since 2010, Grant teaches writing, mythology, and speech to military 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."
From forecasting for the battlefield to Antarctica
Fresh off a six-month seasonal stint forecasting weather in Antarctica, a place he points out only 0.0185 percent of people visit, Polasky reflected on the latest leg of his journey.
“I knew it was a huge commitment but told myself it’s worth the risk to do something I have never heard of anyone doing, other than the person who let me know about the 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 UMGC, there were new opportunities to expand 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 who doesn’t shy away from a challenge, Polasky dove in.
“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 UMGC students—is of someone 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, but his time in Antarctica is a part of his career Polasky will always hold dear.
“If you want to work hard, but have an amazing experience—do it!” he said.
It’s a philosophy that applies equally to Antarctica and UMGC.
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