“So, the first time I went on Broadreach (when I was 14), I had only done about twenty dives (done all very far apart) and it was still a new experience for me. I was one of those kids who was very timid and was afraid of taking risks, so diving was really stepping outside of my comfort-zone. I wanted to try something new, and diving was just one of those activities that made me feel unique; not a lot of kids my age did it. I'd also never been fond of sleepaway camps, so this was quite a step for me.
With every trip, I learned more about myself. I began diving thinking that it would make me stick out, and now I do it because I can't imagine not diving. My life literally revolves around it. I want to be a marine biologist, and my dream come true would be writing for Sport Diver Magazine. If you had asked me what I wanted to do with my life four years ago and before these trips, I would have been stumped. Not only have scuba diving and Broadreach given me a direction to go in the future, but it has given me countless skills. I became a Master Diver on my first trip because I had this incredible drive to accomplish everything I could. The staff on that trip gave me no limits and I definitely adopted this "go-getter" motto after that trip.
I also discovered my love for travel on all of these trips. I am so lucky to have been diving all over the world and I now jump at every opportunity to experience a new culture and place when I can. I used to be afraid of leaving Maryland because I feared what wasn't familiar. I have also met some of the best people on these trips. I continue to stay in touch with people from every one of my trips who live all over the world, and words cannot describe how thankful I am for having met them. That's another thing that I learned on Broadreach trips: how to be outgoing and embrace meeting new people. You would never think now that I used to be a shy person. Every summer I return wanting nothing more than to go back and I know it's because I always discover more about myself on these trips; they bring out the best qualities in me.”
— Alex Aines, Bethesda, Maryland
