I'm a REAL diver!

The last week of this trip, I made the decision to take the PADI certification course and get my Open Water Diving certification. I was wrought with anticipation in the weeks beforehand, pretty afraid to take the plunge (literally, though...). Living in South Florida, I could definitely use the certification to explore some cool places. Diving certification is also required for some marine scientific research, including one of my personal favorites, marine natural product chemistry. The little person in my head said, "JUST DO IT, AYA." Naturally, as one normally does (hmmm??), I considered the words from that little person in my head, and decided to begin my diving course.

Upon entering the water for the first time with all of my gear, my claustrophobia gave way to curiosity. Breathing underwater was a lot less strenuous than I would have thought. As Dani, my dive buddy, and I descended deeper, we were able to see the sea life at a whole new level. When I was once looking at everything from above, downward, I was now able to integrate myself into the reef and swim among the corals, fish, and plethora of other organisms. To be brief, it was SUPER COOL.

Now, after a week of reviews, quizzes, skill practices, the final exam, and—best of all—4 dives, I took my final exam. Overall, it was such an adventure to learn all about diving. I feel like I have been introduced to this new, magical, underwater world. I am very excited to continue to explore, now as a certified open water diver!

-Aya