I’ve finally been described as a “grown woman”. At least that’s how one DWP participant would describe me. It feels so odd to think that of myself, but here I am a college graduate at the adult DWP session. My four years as a participant of YDWP were always fun filled with my peers. This year it’s different in all the right ways. I’m learning the importance of interacting and communicating as a young adult, and that my opinion and voice matters even at my age (the youngest of the group). So far, I’ve enjoyed talking and listening with the other DWPers. This year we’ve had “round table” discussions about DWP and what our involvement means to us and gender equality. I think this new part of the program is essential in creating dialogue between younger and older generations. The advocate candidate I’ve been paired with, another young adult-Gabrielle, is amazing! She works so well above and underwater. We’ve really been learning together as it’s been two years since my last YDWP session. The wreck we’re working on is located on beautiful Molasses Reef. I’ve honestly been a little distracted by surrounding sea life as we work, but I have no doubt Gabrielle and I will be able to turn in quality work at the end of the week. Along with my partner, the other young adults here are so inspiring. They’ve all accomplished so much in their own right! As I look forward to entering graduate school this summer, I’ve been motivated by the hard work they’ve done and even more confident that I can do the same.
Rachel S.
Today on July 17th, YDWP went out on the first of two dives in search of the slave ship the Guerrero. I was able to complete a total of three dives today and on each dive my group was assigned with a different task. On the first dive we did a twenty minute survey of the wreck site in search of any possible artifacts that could be from the Guerrero. Once our survey dive was complete we continued with the second dive and my group was actually assigned the task of metal detection. So for the duration of dive number two, my group went along the wreck site in search of any possible metal anomalies that could be possible artifacts from the ship. Using the metal sector was rather complicated at first just because it was so much bigger than me and my arm didn’t fit in it and also it was heavy so I really became more focused on trying to hold the metal detector at some points. As for the final dive of the day, my group began the trilateration process which is the measuring of an artifact from two different points along the baseline that create the shape of an equilateral triangle. All and all I would say that this was definitely a successful dive day and a lot of artifacts were found and new experiences were made.
Alexis B.
The Tennessee Aquatic Project and Development Group, Inc. (TAP) has provided me with a wealth of opportunities and a greater sense of confidence in my ability to become a successful and productive member of society. My experience of participating in the TAP allowed me to be engaged in my community, define my career interest, and grow a valuable personal and professional network.
I’ve finally been described as a “grown woman”. At least that’s how one DWP participant would describe me. It feels so odd to think that of myself, but here I am a college graduate at the adult DWP session. My four years as a participant of YDWP were always fun filled with my peers. This year it’s different in all the right ways. I’m learning the importance of interacting and communicating as a young adult, and that my opinion and voice matters even at my age (the youngest of the group). So far, I’ve enjoyed talking and listening with the other DWPers. This year we’ve had “round table” discussions about DWP and what our involvement means to us and gender equality. I think this new part of the program is essential in creating dialogue between younger and older generations. The advocate candidate I’ve been paired with, another young adult-Gabrielle, is amazing! She works so well above and underwater. We’ve really been learning together as it’s been two years since my last YDWP session. The wreck we’re working on is located on beautiful Molasses Reef. I’ve honestly been a little distracted by surrounding sea life as we work, but I have no doubt Gabrielle and I will be able to turn in quality work at the end of the week. Along with my partner, the other young adults here are so inspiring. They’ve all accomplished so much in their own right! As I look forward to entering graduate school this summer, I’ve been motivated by the hard work they’ve done and even more confident that I can do the same.
Rachel S.