I have found that sharing my passions with others is truly fulfilling. Seeing someone light up when they conquer the challenge or fear. Seeing someone embrace it, whether it becomes an occasional hobby, or a full-time passion of their own. When I did my first Discover Scuba in Oahu in 1997, I never knew that my passion would lead me to become a scuba professional. I did love it so much that I eventually convinced my mother to let me get certified in 1999. Even when I left it for awhile to figure out how to live as an adult, I never lost that love of diving and the ocean.
I discovered that working with those “not so perfect” students gives me a ton of joy. The ones who are so terrified that they want to quit. The ones who find it more of a challenge than others. Showing them different ways to overcome those challenges. The ability to help and nurture them through it. It’s an incredible feeling. I love watching them succeed.
Almost all students have challenges when they first try diving. They are throwing all of their trust into some equipment and a stranger to keep them safe in an environment we weren’t designed to live in. No one is going to make it through their first experience without a little challenge, but it is worth it.
Today I had a student who had a bad previous experience with another open water class fly through her final dive like a champion. We even encountered a adorable stubby squid who came along with us for part of our ascent. It had taken her a long time to come back to diving after that first bad experience, but today, she signed up for the Advanced Open Water course right after finishing her class. The ability to show her the beauty of our waters and her ability to work through her challenges made my day.
Watching our Divemaster Candidates slowly work their way to becoming a professional is also fulfilling. I truly hope they find joy in sharing with the world the passion they found.
In all my diving, the Pacific Northwest has been an incredible place to see the oceans wonders. I hope to share this incredible journey underwater with others, even if it just through word and photo.
My final note of the night. Congratulations to our 4 newest Open Water Divers in completing this challenge. I hope you have some incredible experiences as you explore our vast waters.
emeraldseamermaid 