I first became interested in scuba diving thanks to my high school biology teacher, who encouraged me to try it during my freshman year. That early exposure sparked a passion, and I eventually got scuba certified at the University of Northern Iowa, practicing dives in a quarry. While diving in a quarry was exciting, I knew I wanted more — I wanted to explore the world and use my skills to make a real impact.

In 2016, I discovered IVHQ’s CASCAIS Scuba Diving Conservation program in Portugal. I convinced a friend to join me, and together we spent two weeks volunteering on the Portuguese coastline. We stayed in a hostel-like accommodation and spent our days diving underwater to collect trash, documenting marine life, and helping protect the ocean ecosystem. We also picked up debris floating on the surface and learned firsthand how human activity affects these waters. I can honestly say I would not be the person I am today without this experience, and I probably would have never pursued college in Florida if it weren’t for the inspiration and perspective I gained while volunteering abroad.

One of the best parts of the experience was the connections I made. I still stay in touch with the dive center in Portugal and was even able to go back and visit two years later. It’s incredible to see how those friendships and partnerships continue long after the volunteer program ends, reminding me that volunteering isn’t just a one-time experience — it’s the start of a lifelong commitment to conservation and community.

Fundraising for the trip was another lesson in the power of support. We used Fund the Nations to help cover expenses, created Comfort Color t-shirts that read Sea-The-Change, and wrote letters to friends and family asking for donations. Even those who couldn’t contribute financially showed support through encouraging messages and prayers. Seeing how many people believed in our mission reinforced my commitment to volunteering and conservation.

Volunteering in Portugal was truly life-changing. Beyond the dives and conservation work, I was inspired by the generosity of the local community and the friendships I formed with fellow volunteers. The experience reinforced my belief that protecting the ocean isn’t just about individual action — it’s about collaboration, education, and making small but meaningful changes. For anyone who wants to make a difference but isn’t sure where to start, my advice is simple: just go for it. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish, the people you’ll meet, and the impact you can have.