8 days left...

So as the time winds down with the Best Dive Job, my mind continues to race and I get nervous thinking that in just 8 days they are going to make this decision. It has been such a part of my life for the last couple of months and knowing that the decision is about to be made makes my mind race.


I got the email about the contest in late October - I am not sure how I got it or how I got on the Blue Season Bali email list - and I just knew I had to apply - I don't know what it was. I talked with my friend who is an instructor who has been in the industry for almost 10 years and he told me that it was just a ridiculous dream and that I would have no chance of winning. I trust his opinion- and I adore him, but I didn't listen to him (sorry), followed my instincts and did the application anyway regardless of the "slim to none" chances.


Now, 108 days later (or something close to that), I have 8 days until they make the decision and this contest has taken on its own being in my life. 

Through the whole process, I have been surprised in how many people have showed their support and love toward me. Its been amazing to see how kind people are and it makes me step back and gives me faith in people and their kindness.


I want this. I have lived my entire life by the book. I have gone to school, gone to practice, given as much as I can the entire time, overcome the clot, swam again, run marathons, gone to work, been passionate about what I love. I want this because this would be an opportunity of a lifetime to really follow my heart and dreams... 


I never really realized how much I really DID want it until I was out at happy hour on Friday and I was talking about it to someone I had just met. I realized that it would be the most AMAZING opportunity of my life and that it would be so unreal to be able to have a chance to go across the world to follow my heart to do something I love so much everyday - and to be able to train to share it with everyone else. 


I also know that there are a TON of amazing people that have applied for this contest. I know how difficult it can be to select winners. For the Get Fit Challenges, it was my job to select the contestants and I read through each and everyone of the applications. I think about what made those contestants stand out - I think about how difficult it was for me to pick them - and I know that the contest for them was a chance of a lifetime - and for them it was a a chance to change their lives - just like this is to me. I know that they want this also - it just depends on who stands out and who has what they are looking for. If it is enthusiasm and passion, and a desire to succeed, then they should pick me... 


I'm am proud to say I have NEVER once worked for money. I work for passion. I've always had jobs because of passion, not money. I've been able to find something that combines the passion of my work (teaching and marketing) with the passion of my peace (scuba) -- and I dream of being able to have this opportunity because it combines those two things and puts it into an environment that is beautiful and different. I have much more experience in teaching and marketing than I do in scuba so it would be taking a huge risk, but I know that myself. I know the way I am. If I love it, I will make you love it because of who I am.


Regardless of what happens with the Best Dive Job and Blue Season Bali, I know that I will continue to dive and I will eventually be an instructor - it will just take a little bit longer. And, If I don't go to Bali, I have no doubt that I will be with Gold's for a long time to come (as long as they will have me at least :) ) --- BUT sending me to Bali is not a decision I have to make - it is one of Jonathan and Tom and the rest of the crew across the world at Blue Season Bali. I know how difficult it will be, and if they do pick me they should know I will give it everything I have and it will be fun for everyone! :)