The Aquarium's teen diving expedition Sea TURTLE is reporting live from the Bahamas. This post is from Porshai.

In the summer of 2009, I heard about the New England Aquarium's Sea TURTLE program. I was encouraged by Jenna, Sarah, and Jo to apply so I did. I even created a poster in my bathroom that read "Sea TURTLE 2010, No exceptions," so I was constantly reminded to strive and attain my goal of becoming SCUBA certified.

All of the applicants went through an extensive interview process. During the individual interviews, applicants were asked to bring an item that has some type of significance. I decided to bring the poster in my bathroom. I expressed to Jenna and Sarah that I had difficulties swimming. They made a decision and told me that due my struggle in swimming it would be not very safe and not very fun if I attended the trip. I respected their decision because ultimately my safety was the most important element on the trip.


I still kept the poster in my bathroom as a reminder that I did not fail but I simply needed more time to improve. I was determined to reapply for Sea TURTLE in 2011 and soon thereafter, I learned that I was accepted! I immediately started to count the days until the day we left. In the blink of an eye, that day arrived. After arriving in Miami we drove to the boat yard where the R/V Coral Reef II was docked.


We spent the night on the boat and the next morning we had breakfast and then we began an almost one hour trek out of the Miami River. As excited as I was, while exiting the Miami River, the trash and pollution was in great quantities. Animals like manatees and real sea turtles could mistake the trash as food get sick or die.

It was really disappointing to see the affect that humans have on marine wild life. As a Sea TURTLE, I am going to share as much information with family, friends and co-workers, to think before they litter.


Now that I am a Sea TURTLE, once I arrive back in Boston my poster can finally come down. And I will replace with a goal of attaining at least 24 dives before head off to college!

Signing Off,
Porshai

P.S. Mom, Dad, Baby Bro. I miss you all.