In January 2023, at just 12 years old, I took a big plunge—literally. I became a certified Junior Open Water Diver through Mac’s Sports, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. With the support of the Brian Grindey Scholarship, which covered the cost of the course, I was able to pursue something I had always loved: being in the water.

The certification process started with four days of classroom sessions and pool training. I soaked up every bit of information like a sponge—how to assemble gear, read dive tables, communicate underwater, and handle emergency situations. The pool work gave me a chance to practice these skills in a controlled environment, and it quickly became clear that scuba diving felt natural to me.

Then came the big test: checkout dives. These took place at KP Hole on Rainbow River, and while the air temperature was a frigid 34 degrees, the water remained a balmy 72 degrees—a welcome contrast once we were submerged. Over two days, we demonstrated our skills in the open water. While some of the other students were focused on getting through their drills, I found myself relaxed and truly enjoying the experience. At one point, I was even caught hanging out on a tree branch underwater, watching the fish while others worked through their tasks. One of the instructors even told my mom I was “a natural” and “Zen in the water.” That comment stuck with me—it was a moment of validation and encouragement that pushed me forward.

Performing the required skills—mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control—came easily to me. But more than that, I was in my element. The weightlessness, the quiet, the marine life… it all felt right. I wasn’t just learning to scuba dive; I was falling in love with a whole new world.

Since that certification, I’ve never looked back. That weekend in January marked the beginning of what has become a true passion—maybe even an obsession. Scuba diving isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s part of who I am now.

From the support of Mac’s Sports and the Brian Grindey Scholarship to the encouragement of my instructors, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Getting certified at 12 was just the start of what I hope will become a lifetime of underwater adventures.

Continue the journey with me as I catch you up on what I have been up to since certification. Better yet, join me underwater!