This week in Lembongan, Two Fish Divers were fortunate enough to host a determined and inspirational young lady named Lily. We share her Mother’s story of how Lily achieved her PADI Junior Open Water certificate at the youngest age possible, 10 years old. For those who know Lily, this was a huge achievement for her (or anyone who is only 10!). Lily has severe dyslexia and dyscalculia (that’s the maths version to save you hitting Google), which meant the theory load was enormous and overwhelming at times. Despite feeling like she was always looking up a mountain she couldn’t see the top of, she never once said she wanted to give up, wait until she was older or do it another day.

Her hard work and perseverance paid off, and she got to take her first breaths underwater in one of the world’s most incredible dive locations, Nusa Lembongan. The photo attached is just a screenshot from a GoPro of one of her first dives in the beautiful Nusa Penida Marine Park. It shows her ease in the water and love of the new blue world that her hard work has opened up. In Lily’s own words, “Mum I have just had the best day of my life because I kept going when it got hard”. I’d say that life lesson was almost as big as the achievement itself. My hope is that when things are tough at school she will remember she has already tackled and passed adult exams, and that she is smart, capable and determined.

Just as special was watching her big brother Jack (a veteran at 12, with 3 years diving under his weight belt!), encourage her through her theory and watch with such pride as she swam into her dream. Two Fish Divers, you guys have been beyond awesome. Special thanks to her dive guide Rolly for making things so easy and so much fun for us all, and most of all to the amazing Emily, Lily’s incredible instructor. Thank you forever for the priceless gift of self-belief and the new blue world.