Journal 3, the Night Dive Journal

Alicia Melotto

Journal #3

May 19, 2011

The best thing that I saw on the night dive was the puffer fish! It was cute and friendly; I wanted to take him home with me! I had never seen a real puffer before, so that was also a reason why it was the best. The scariest thing that I saw that night was in fact a barracuda. Luckily it wasn’t too big, and it was far enough away that I could see it, but it didn’t freak me out too much. When you’re 10 feet away from something that is smaller than you, it makes you feel a little better about it! As a result of the night dive, I feel a lot stronger in the sense that I can over come my fears. I was nervous and afraid to go on the night dive, but when I was asked, “What is it you’re afraid of?” I couldn’t answer the question. I was more afraid of the uncertainty, which is why I feel like now I can over come anything – certain or uncertain of a specific fear. I’m proud of myself for overcoming the fear of uncertainty, but also of everyone on this trip. Even if someone didn’t stay the whole time, they got out there into the water, and that alone means they over came some sort of fear that they had. It shows a lot about their character, that even if they can’t always do something, they do their best to accomplish it.

Bermuda Journal One

This is a journal that I wrote on the first night in Bermuda.

Topic: Write about your first impressions of Bermuda

My first impression upon arriving in Bermuda was how greatly warm it is in this country. Not only was there a 20 degree change in climate as we stepped off of the plane, but the people of Bermuda were nothing short of friendly. It warms my heart to hear greetings from anyone and everyone you pass.

I believe this surprises me most because of the lack of empathy that is expressed in our culture.

I am also impressed in the beauty of the place. Upon agreeing to this trip, I believed that snorkeling would be full of touching fish and talking about the environment of the, but it isnt. The fish are not invading my space, instead I get the chance to watch them in there natural environment.

a student said today "We don't need an aquarium, we have right here"

Bermuda has exceeded my expectations

Night Dive Journal

The best thing I saw on the night dive was a Spanish Lobster. An hour in to our dive with John, Patrick flagged us over. He and Jeff were unsure of what they were looking at. In the light of everyones light it looked like a squishy blob of pink goo. Floating only a few feet over this creature was exhilarating.

The scariest thing i saw was the tail end of a Barracuda. For me this was the perfect amount of fright. Ten feet in front of our group we were able to watch a barracuda swim right by. It was not too large, nor was it coming toward us, but none the less it got the adrenaline pumping.

As a result of the night dive I believe more in myself. Facing nerves and overcoming fears are a big part of the night dive. As we geared up for the dive there wasn't one person that was not slightly nervous. Even the teachers will admit to being a little scared. For me there was quite a bit of fear. My partner (Alicia Melotto) and I decided we were staying in the water the whole time no matter what. Throughout the dive when I was nervous I was able to rely on those around me and conquer my fear.

I'm proud of myself and everyone who got in the water. As i stated above everyone was nervous about getting in the water. However, every student gave it a try. Almost every student made it through the whole night dive sighting eels, needle fish, barracuda, puffer fish, octopi, spiney lobsters, and more. Having faith in each other as well as themselves was great to see in everyone.

We're here!

We arrived in Bermuda to beautiful weather - blue skies, calm waters, and temperatures in the 70s. We enjoyed our first walk to Whalebone Bay and about an hour snorkel to get oriented in the water. During the snorkel we saw many new species of fish and began learning to identify them.

What a great day!

Less than a week

Yesterday, at the Seniors vs. Faculty kickball game, I looked at Jeff and said, exactly a week from now we will be getting in the water for our first swim in Bermuda! Today is our last swim at the pool and we're set and ready to go!