Who knew at six years old I would begin a lifetime of friendships and adventures. The way I felt when I got off the plane in Curacao was unexplainable. Not to mention it was my first time out of the country. I would have never guessed that this trip would influence my life the way it did. I knew from the moment I stepped into that sassy dive gear at the dive shop with Ocean Encounters that this would be a part of my life forever.

Now eight years and several kids sea camps later; each filled with many of their own experiences, I'm proud to be a PADI advanced certified diver, diving with sharks, dolphins and other critters. Curacao was filled with many crazy adventures. We did everything from swim with dolphins to feeding sharks through a glass wall.

One thing that sticks out the most would have to be our trip to the Ostrich Farm. While we were there we got to feed and even sit on the ostriches. I could never forget when the ostrich stuck its head through the bus window and yanked my braids. I guess I wasn't the only one that thought my island braids looked cool, haha.

Also, Curacao had this insane place called the Seaquarium where we got to touch all the sea creatures in the aquarium. With all this excitement you would think that there would be no time to relax; wrong. At the end of everyday everybody would meet up by the pool and chill under the stars while eating the most amazing food I have ever tasted.

Who doesn't love spending everyday surrounded by friends and the people you love doing things you would never imagine possible for a little six year old.

- Sydney Dawson