[4 min read]
On my journey as the 2023 European Scholar, I want to explore the perfect blend of compassion and adventure and dive deeper into both healthcare and our world beneath the waves. I hope this blog helps explain a bit more about me and some of my journey leading to this INCREDIBLE opportunity.
From Drought to Diving: A Journey of Compassion and Adventure
Photo by Mary Caddick
This year I will spend so much time being fully immersed in water. This is a huge contrast to where I’m beginning my scholarship year. I’m currently finishing the second year of my nursing degree working at Leparua Clinic, in Kenya. Walking to the clinic through a 10ft deep dry riverbed, in 38-degree heat highlights the impact of the recent drought in Kenya. The community at Leparua relies massively on rainfall for their livestock and crops which in turn provide food and income. Lack of livestock has led to hunger, child malnutrition, lack of income, children dropping out of school and even conflict between communities. Witnessing the drought’s impact has been a stark reminder of the intricate connection between our planet’s health and the well-being of the people who inhabit it.
Connection
Photo by Olivia Holmes
Leparua has been the perfect place to remind me why I chose to nurse: to cherish people and foster connections. Working in Leparua has shown me how important and wonderful community connection is and the positive impact it has on our physical, mental, social and emotional health.
Photo by Emily Bush
There is no network or signal in Leparua and I often spend my evenings after the clinic playing football with the schoolchildren. At first, our football practice would be observed by a very shy little one who would tuck himself behind the tree. Many a funny face was pulled to try and persuade him to join in! Over time he crept closer to the pitch, and we now have a full-on handshake dance together. It turns out we were both finding our feet in a new place. The police found him, age 5, walking alone with his cattle on Mount Kenya. Wondering why he wasn’t in school, they took him home to his family. With 8 other children, the family explained they couldn’t afford to feed all their children, let alone pay the local school fees. Leparua School and the community have worked together to house him and provide access to education and food. The older schoolchildren look after him, washing his clothes and cooking. This caring welcome reflects the warm and nurturing community of Leparua.
A Year of Exploration and Education: The Gift of the OWUSS Scholarship
My gratitude for being awarded the 2023 European Scholarship has been emphasised by this nursing placement. I have an entire year of funded learning and being nurtured by the ocean community. During my year I aim to
- Reconnect the younger generation with the underwater world
- Explore the world of remote diving medicine and healthcare
- Enhance my diving skills in diverse conditions and climates
- Capture and share the ocean through videography and photography
Reflecting on Roots: How My Upbringing Shaped My Journey
My time in Leparua has also allowed me to reflect on how my own upbringing and education put me in a position to even apply for the OWUSS scholarship and how fortunate I am.
Growing up surrounded by nature was an integral part of my childhood, as my parents work in conservation. Their dedication to protecting our planet and fostering a love for the outdoors greatly influenced my values and aspirations. I got to share this joy with others when working as an outdoor education instructor. Introducing young minds to nature’s wonders solidified my belief in the deep connection between nature, health, and happiness.
Working as a medical technician conducting HSE medicals for Aquamarine Medicals introduced me to a diverse range of professional divers. Conversations with polar explorers, media, scientific and saturation divers gave me an insight into the challenges of remote diving and sparked my curiosity about diving medicine.
The beach became my office when working as an RNLI lifeguard. This showed me that the sea offers endless joy and adventures, but also demands our utmost respect and ability to handle emergency situations even in the most challenging of settings.
Joining an Endeavour expedition medicine course in the French Alps and learning from faculty members who’ve explored the world through healthcare, left me inspired and determined to pursue an adventurous nursing career.
For me, the connections forged when nursing have immense significance. I’ve held a mother’s hand during her child’s cancer diagnosis and then began my next shift with a heartwarming glittery unicorn drawing from the very same child. Or, making the last days of someone’s life as peaceful, comfortable and personal as possible.
Healing Depths: Finding Solace in the Ocean
Working in healthcare can take an emotional toll, but the ocean has been my perfect remedy! The sea has connected me with like-minded souls and fostered a balance between caring for others and nurturing my own wellbeing.
As I prepare to embark on my divemaster training and officially kickstart my scholarship year on the Kenyan coastline, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for this incredible opportunity ahead. It’s a profound contrast, travelling from a place gripped by severe drought to being fully immersed in the waters of the ocean. The community in Leparua may never witness their own coastline or experience the joy of swimming, especially for girls. This realisation amplifies my appreciation for the gift of exploration and education that lies ahead. Throughout my scholarship journey, my mission is to bridge the gap between the younger generation and the ocean, while also honing my dive expedition medicine skills.
THANK YOU
A huge thank you to Rolex, the 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.
