I Am a Certified Diver

I am a scuba diver.

I went to the Grand Caymans and did it.

And I am so proud of myself.

Scuba diving was not something I ever thought I would do — or even enjoy. A friend said to try it, so I did.

It was amazing — a completely different world under the water.

I’ve always loved the ocean. The waves, the sound, the feeling of being in it. But this was something else entirely.

Quiet. Immersive. Almost surreal.

Being in the calm of the ocean, watching the wildlife watch you, and knowing it’s their world — not yours — is one of the most amazing feelings.

It felt like stepping into a place that had always been there… I just hadn’t seen it yet.

And I loved it.

Until I didn’t.

On my fourth dive, I got a rash.

Everyone said it was nothing, but I knew something was wrong.

I’m learning to listen to my body.

Skin bends — something I had never even heard of before, and neither had anyone else in my group.

It was scary.

I should have gone to a decompression chamber, but I was lucky.

And just like that, I couldn’t dive anymore.

It changed the trip.

A little unfinished.

But not ruined.

Because I still did it. I became a diver.

The dive community is full of people who are open, welcoming, and easy to be around.

I feel completely comfortable doing this on my own.

And maybe that’s part of it too.

Finding things that are just yours.
Things you don’t have to explain.
Things you don’t have to share.

Just things you do because you want to.

I didn’t get the full experience I expected.

But it was still scary, exciting, difficult, and beautiful.

And I know I’ll go back.