On August 11th, 2007 we met on Grand Cayman Island and boarded the dive boat that was to be our home for the next week. On Aug 18th we all left feeling we had surpassed all our goals, and were sorry to leave new friends.

Our scheduled events included about three dives a day and intimate seminars about High Definition video, Women and Diving, Marine Flora and Fauna as well as myriad other topics. We found that each day brought new questions and new directions. Seminars were added, flopped and enhanced. Students as well as leaders looked forward to each opportunity to learn and grow in knowledge of the marine ecosystem.

We dove Bloody Bay Wall for the majority of the week. This is one of the most pristine dive sites in the Caribbean. We examined a variety of underwater habitats including sand flats and sheer coral walls. Colorful corals, sponges, reef fish and invertebrates were among the animals we observed. As our knowledge base grew, we focused more on the animals’ activities. Hunting, feeding and symbiosis were seen. Students returned to the vessel to pour over identification books and question leaders about behavior and activities observed during each dive. The group developed a more toned understanding of fauna differentiation. Attention was paid to binomial nomenclature, identification and key identification points on each animal.

I think we were all astounded by the degree of camaraderie felt by day three. Everyone worked as a unit, the true meaning of buddy diving permeated our expedition. We reflected on each dive by developing haikus, thoughts for the day and engaging in discussions.

The mission of the Imaging Foundation is to use imagery to educate people about the natural world. Our primary target is young people around the world. Discussions about how to accomplish this ideal popped up throughout the trip. The commitment, and energy of the students was contagious and together we found ourselves brainstorming new ideas. The Internet acumen brought to the mix by our students was a valuable tool that will help us realize many of our goals!

One of the most impressive elements of our expedition was the degree of student initiative that was experienced. Seminars and time slots took on a life of their own as, one by one, students approached me with their ideas and suggestions. Subsequent implementation fortified our program. One of the student-organized programs was a 6 PM ‘reflection hour’ at this time students shared haikus and thoughts for the day. Below you will find a sampling of their art.

The ocean so wide
The like gray mist above
Will they ever meet?
-Glynnis

Is it a feeling?
Some kind of reality?
Flying or floating
-Sally

Colors of the sea
Bright and brilliant to see
Unknow to many
-Katie

The sound of breathing
The forever blissful blue
I wish all could see
-Haley

Truly paradise
No need for hot sand and sun
Look to the ocean
-Katie

Colorful it is
Plentiful in many ways
The Caribbean
-Sally

The anxiety
Of jumping into the sea
Now is all worth it
-Haley

Could it really be
This seemingly scary thing
A shark so awesome
-Sally

Stepping in was hard
But in the dark I found out
What I was missing
-Sally

Shadow moving deep
Grey skin white teeth suddenly
Fear turns to wonder
-anonymous

Georgienne Carrol Jay
Faceless letters on a page
Now are in my heart
-Bekah

Finally I found
Something that makes me full
Me scuba diving
-Sally

We hope to keep in touch as a community, develop some of these ideas and are currently researching options for an IF expedition for the summer of 2008.

I was eager to lead a group of young women on the Cayman Expedition. My intention was to teach them about the beauty of the ocean and more important to empower them with a commitment to reach for their dreams. What I did not expect was for this group of young women to breathe so much optimism and excitement into my soul. Through their eyes, I was able to once again log my first dive and witness the ocean as I did many years ago. I was transported back to my Stuart days when I not only knew I could accomplish anything I wanted, but I was completely surrounded by peers who felt exactly the same way. Thank you all for this precious gift.

Love,

Georgienne