About two years ago, I began working toward my PADI Jr. Divemaster certification. I was deeply involved in diving at the time through camps and organizations—helping fit and load equipment, demonstrating open water skills, assisting with classes and training, and even helping run dive days. I worked one-on-one with students needing extra help, and while I never officially planned a dive on paper, I was capable of planning and leading dives when needed. It was real, practical experience, and I absolutely loved it. I spent hours at the pool with the new divers we were working with and helped introduce them to the world underwater. I went home exhausted but proud every night.

The Jr. Divemaster certification isn’t just a fancy title—it’s a serious step into assisting leadership and being an example. To qualify, I needed to meet a series of requirements. That includes having the Rescue Diver certification, a minimum number of logged dives (typically 20), solid watermanship evaluations, and advanced dive theory knowledge. I also had to demonstrate mastery of dive skills at demonstration quality, assist in confined and open water training, and complete scenarios that reflect real-life dive leadership situations. On top of that, candidates must be at least 15 years old, and the program must be taught by an instructor willing to mentor someone younger and more limited in scope than a full Divemaster. Realistically, I was still so young that I would’ve had to petition for approval from PADI to finish it at that time.

Then, life took a left turn—into technical diving. Once I was introduced to the world of tech, I was hooked. The equipment, the mindset, the discipline, and the deeper understanding of dive systems fascinated me. I threw myself into learning and exploring that side of diving and kind of left the Jr. Divemaster goal hanging in the background.

But lately, I’ve felt a pull to go back and finish what I started. I’ll be 15 this September, which puts me in a much better position to complete the program without needing special permission. I plan to continue reaching out to trusted dive shops like Scuba West in Hudson, FL that are Padi recognized to find the right fit and path forward. This time, I want to approach the certification with no other outcomes than finishing it, to truly embody what it means to lead within the certs capacity, assist, and support other divers.

I do not regret the journey I chose or with the turns I took. But what I realize is that it does not always have to be one or the other. I can learn and grow in the technical world-, the recreational world and any other facets of diving I choose. I am even starting to find I can love the springs but enjoy getting to know and exploring the ocean. As a younger diver, I often felt I had to choose but now I know the only choices that matter are diving with safe and reliable buddies but the goals and journey can always change or look however I want them to.

I’ve grown a lot over the past two years—both in skill and maturity. I now see the Jr. Divemaster certification as more than just another step in the dive ladder. It’s a way to prove to myself, my parents, and my peers that I have the follow-through. That I can set a goal, work for it, and achieve it—even if it took a little longer and a bit of growing up to get here.

This certification represents something bigger than just scuba—it’s about leadership, dedication, being an example, and earning respect in the diving community. So, I’m making it a goal. I’m coming back to it with purpose and perspective.

Here’s to unfinished business, second chances, and proving that I will finish what I started—one dive at a time.