In mid-August, I received my PADI Open Water Certification in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was an accomplishment that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without the DIVES program. My mama reminded me that I can now check this off my bucket list—a deeply fulfilling moment!
This certification not only fulfills a personal goal but will also help me continue my professional efforts in water quality, conservation, and education. For years, I have specialized in teaching freshwater conservation, always emphasizing to my students how everything is interconnected and that what happens in freshwater inevitably impacts ocean water. I explain that everything we do flows to the ocean—water connects us all.
The scuba certification allows me to expand my conservation work to focus on the ocean. During a monthly meeting with Hispanic Access Foundation, I heard from speakers who shared their experiences as scuba divers and their roles in ocean conservation. Their stories inspired me to realize that I could advance my career in water conservation by diving deeper into ocean conservation efforts.
Achieving my certification wasn’t easy. Since Kansas and Missouri only have man-made lakes with poor visibility, I had to travel outside both states to complete my scuba training. Luckily, I was able to rent an Airbnb in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and spend the time necessary to finish my certification. One memorable (and slightly challenging) moment was when I experienced vertigo mid-water and got sick—turns out you can throw up in your regulator, and the fish seem to appreciate the offering!
Being underwater feels like home to me. I’ve been a swimmer, lifeguard, and water safety instructor my whole life, but being able to stay submerged and feel the water enveloping me for long periods was an entirely new experience. In therapy, I even discovered that my “happy place” is underwater. So, achieving this goal and staying beneath the surface for extended periods felt deeply calming and refreshing.
I’m incredibly proud of myself for accomplishing this. I also believe that more Latines would find joy and fulfillment in scuba diving. Scuba requires teamwork and trust in your diving partner, which resonates with our culture’s collectivistic, community-oriented values. I owe a huge thank you to Hispanic Access Foundation for making this possible. My network has grown, my education has expanded, and my passion for conservation has deepened. I highly recommend the DIVES program to anyone interested—it’s truly a life-changing opportunity.
Written by Patrice Gonzalez.