Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley fully immersed in the environment, it's tough to imagine anyone wanting any other career than one involving conservation. So that’s what I, Rebecca Torres, chose to study as I entered college, hoping to feel closer to the ecologically diverse area I grew up loving.
After I received my Bachelor of Environmental Sciences in May of 2023, I still felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle to fully understand the place I called home. I soon realized I could not fully understand and appreciate all of the Rio Grande Valley without looking at it from all angles. The Rio Grande Valley is nestled upon the southern portion of the Gulf of Mexico, and despite being an avid visitor of the miles and miles of sandy beaches that it had to offer, I was still missing a whole portion of the story that lied in the gulf.
This led me to apply to the Hispanic Access Foundation’s DIVES program. The DIVES program supported me in earning my scuba certification by covering the costs of my diving classes and linking us with skilled, experienced divers who offered guidance throughout our training. Beyond the certification itself, the program revealed numerous opportunities in the world of scuba diving and introduced us to various professionals with backgrounds similar to ours. It was very helpful to know we weren’t going through this journey alone. Before I had the opportunity to join this program, scuba diving never even crossed my mind. To me, it seemed like an activity reserved for the wealthy, something you might try if you were vacationing at a beach resort or a specialized task for a marine biologist conducting research. It didn’t seem like something someone like me—a recent college graduate with limited funds and experience—could ever pursue. I am so grateful for this program for allowing me and other Latinos the opportunity to scuba dive, whatever our reasoning might be.
I completed my certification in Austin, Texas, with our first classes taking place in the dive shop’s indoor pool and the final ones being at Lake Travis. The process of going through the needed training to be certified was not easy for me, I struggled immensely with almost every single skill while learning in the pool. I was not sure I’d be able to complete this certification, however; that moment when I first got into the open body of water, stuck my head under, and breathed was magical. Despite all the challenges I faced once I was underwater, I realized that I was accomplishing the thing I had spent so much time struggling with, and I now had an amazing skill that would allow me to explore the place I called home even more.
Now that I have my scuba diving certification, I plan to deepen my knowledge by taking more scuba classes and diving at various sites. I’m excited to discover the unique ecosystems and histories each location has to offer. This certification has opened up a new professional world for me that I hadn’t previously considered. Thanks to this program, I’m now exploring graduate programs focused on marine and water conservation and advocacy. Participating in the DIVES program was an incredible honor. I had the privilege of hearing the inspiring stories of fellow Latinos from across the nation who shared similar passions. We came together to listen to each other's struggles and celebrate each other's successes, fostering a sense of community and belonging. For anyone considering scuba certification, I highly encourage you to pursue your interest. Don't be discouraged if you encounter challenges along the way. Achieving your certification is a remarkable accomplishment that opens doors to a world of opportunities, both professionally and personally. The experiences you will gain are truly invaluable.
Written by Rebeca Tores.