My STEP Signature Project involved me traveling to Key Largo, Florida and completing a series of pool and open ocean scuba classes that would earn official PADI Open Water Diver and Fish Identification certifications. Another key component of the trip that made it especially transformational was the fact that I did all of it alone, without anyone I knew.

In completing my STEP Signature Project, my understanding of myself was transformed and improved. An important factor in choosing scuba certification was my fear and uncertainty of the ocean. I have always been wary of swimming in large bodies of water because of the uncertainty of not being able to see what was around and under me. The ocean is the ultimate example of this uncertainty due to its vastness. In successfully conquering my fears and discomfort, I learned that my mind and body are capable of much more than I often expect. I learned just how strong my mind was as I stepped off the back of the dive boat for the first time. 

While my understanding of myself was transformed and improved through facing my fears and choosing to seek discomfort, there were two other areas of my thinking that were transformed and improved due to different experiences. The second area of understanding that was improved during my trip was leadership. As I saw two fellow students fail and give up due to a general lack of trust, I realized just how important trust is when serving in a leadership role. If a leader is unable to earn trust in him- or herself, trust in the overall mission, and trust in the means to reach the end goal, people will jump ship. 

The final main area of understanding that was fostered during my trip was environmental. I saw thousands, if not tens of thousands of different species of organisms living around the coral reefs of the Florida Keys. While these organisms certainly do not know of Saudi Aramco, Chevron, or Exxon Mobil, they are feeling the effects of humans and the carbon emissions being produced to support human endeavors. While I am not trying to make a statement about the energy industry, or blame any companies in specific, I would like to continue reminding myself and those who will listen that we can all play a role in protecting and sustaining these fragile ecosystems that cannot always protect themselves. 

Throughout the duration of my diving trip, I did quite a bit of reflecting. I thought about happiness, fulfillment, leadership, trust, relationship building, and the environment. Despite all of this deep reflection, I believe the trip gave me more questions than answers. However, I believe solving important problems requires one to do just that: create more questions than answers. If making a difference in this world requires humility and having more questions than answers, I willingly accept the challenge.

My goal for a long time has been to make a difference in the world. My understanding of how I will do this is constantly changing and shifting to better match my interests, but I think taking this scuba trip has further reinforced my passion for making a difference through problem solving. I know as a leader, engineer, and lifelong learner I will have a significant opportunity to make a difference using the three main categories of transformation I experienced in completing my STEP Project.

I must always take care of myself and my mental health and toughness. Without a strong mind and healthy body, I feel as if I cannot unlock my full difference-making potential. Also, in order to make a difference in the world, I must remain humble and remember that I cannot do it alone. I will need to serve as an influential leader and harness the power of the whole. Influential leadership requires a high level of trust and accountability, both of which I witnessed and learned about during my STEP trip. Finally, I believe one of the most important areas in which I can make a positive impact is the environment. Specifically, as an engineer, I will have the opportunity to assist in the two important sectors of energy production and sustainability/efficiency.

In conclusion, my STEP Signature Project further reinforced my goal of making a difference. In doing so, my experiences also gave me three main areas of concern to focus my efforts: mental health and toughness, leadership and trust, and engineering/leading for a healthier environment. I am thankful for Ohio State and the STEP Program for granting me the opportunity to both experience and reflect in order to improve myself and the impact I am having in the world.

I didn’t take many pictures, I wanted to focus on the actual experience instead of trying to take a picture.