Bear Yates
Registered
Every day there is someone who's getting the thought in their head that they want to dive. It's just a fact. And every day some of those people are going to a dive shop somewhere to ask questions. And sometimes these people have absolutely no idea about anything to do with diving when they walk through the door. Before July 2014 I was one of those people. I'd never been diving in my life. The only way I'd ever been under the surface was to put on a regular swimming goggles or a mask and snorkel. After a career as a Soldier, yeah, one of those guys who stayed on dry land, I decided I wanted to get into diving. Fortunately I got lucky. The first time I walked into a dive shop they weren't even open and I wasn't even looking at actually diving at the time, I just needed a new mask and snorkel because someone had stolen mine. But one of the owners was there and was very helpful, even with being closed. We talked for awhile about diving and some other things and I found out allot just from that first interaction. I learned that there was a great way not only for me to get into diving, but to make a new career out of it. I went back a few times and talked to both of the owners and got more information about all. They helped me get everything that I needed together, from the medical forms I needed to helping me find information on the industry for possible jobs after I finish training. Now here I am, I have a few certifications under my belt and I'm working toward a goal. Did I mention I'm a Veteran with PTSD? Did I mention that learning to dive and being around great people since I started has personally helped me? Now that I have, let me ask you this. Do you remember when you were the "new guy or girl" that didn't know anything about diving? Most people will probably say no because they think they're at a point where it doesn't matter to them anymore. But I'll never forget being the new guy. And I'll never forget the people who have helped and continue to help me. Because that's my end goal, to help others. I also won't forget the people along the way who think they're better than me because I don't know everything they know. I'll never know everything, nobody will, but I'll at least help someone who knows less than me find the answer. Because as a professional that's what I'm supposed to do, and as a teacher I believe in passing on knowledge, and as a person I have morals that I live by. I don't really care if people like me or not, got over that a long time ago. What I do care about is people doing what they love to do or what they have to do in some cases, and going home to their families safe at night, or when they get home from whatever job they had to do. If you took the time to read this, feel free to share your thoughts if you want. You may agree with me, you may not, you may be one of those people who thinks you're just Life's gift to all mankind. Just remember this, nobody had done something always. Everyone is new to something at some point and has to learn.