[3 min read]
It feels so surreal to sit down, reflect and write my first blog entry as the new Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS) 2023 European Scholar! As well as the blog I’ll share my scholarship adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
A warm oceanic embrace from the OWUSS community
Days before my trip to New York I was working as a student nurse in a hospice. Listening to and caring for people at the end of life was a profound experience that made me realise the true importance of people, connection, and experiences. As I jumped on a plane to kick start my scholarship year with my first visit to America, I was determined to carry this lesson with me. In New York City, I had the honour of attending the OWUSS award ceremony. The annual weekend event is a gathering of ocean enthusiasts where old friends reconnect and new friendships blossom. The OWUSS community welcomed the new scholars and interns with open arms and enveloped us in a sea of support.
New York: more than just skyscrapers and bagels
A quick peek at the whirlwind events of New York…
Introduction speech and presentation practice: I had the privilege of working on my scholarship introduction speech alongside Hannah, Millie and Rosie (2022 OWUSS scholars) and Sophie and Genece (2023 OWUSS scholars). All with the invaluable guidance of Maureen, the ‘Public Speech Queen’. Thanks Mike for hosting us and providing an epic New York skyline view, not to mention the delightful breakfast bagels in your lovely home.
The award ceremony: I left the OWUSS award ceremony feeling inspired for my own year. The 2022 interns and scholars presented their incredible experiences. After also watching from the scholarship films by Hannah, Millie and Rosie (what an inspirational trio), and meeting the OWUSS community, I left New York feeling SO excited for whats going to be the most amazing year. I thought I would do the awards ceremony in Lucy style and wear my birkenstocks. Turns out Sophie and Genece are very tall, especially when wearing heels. I could have done with the added height! The photographer even asked if I wanted to be photoshopped to look taller…!
World Ocean Week: The venue for World Ocean Week was none other than the Explorers Club. In the hallway alone were segments from the moon, Everest, the North and South Poles, and the Mariana Trench. Crazy cool. This extraordinary gathering, thanks to the legend that is Christina Janulis, bought together a diverse group of inspiring individuals dedicated to ocean preservation.
A future filled with hope
After meeting individuals who share an appreciation for our amazing planet, I left New York with hope. The passion and commitment displayed by the OWUSS community and incredible ocean network has inspired me to make a lasting impact throughout my scholarship year.
THANK YOU
I am so grateful to everyone who has played a part in making this scholarship a reality. Thank you. I’m so excited to learn and experience dive medicine and help the younger generation reconnect with our ocean.
A huge thank you to Rolex, Our World Underwater Scholarship Society, Divers Alert Network and my equipment sponsors Fourth Element, Suunto, Halcyon Dive Systems, Reef Photo and Video and Nauticam for making this opportunity happen.
