I came to Tenerife almost five years ago, burned out from my corporate job as a front-end developer in Poland. At the time, I could barely swim and had no idea what diving was, but I was searching for a break from my life. After signing up for every course from Open Water Diver to Divemaster, I took my first breath underwater—and instantly fell in love.
Soon after, the pandemic hit, locking me down just two months into my training. With no work and dwindling savings, I started swimming every day when we were allowed to do so, gradually building the strength to swim two kilometers (1.25 miles) effortlessly in El Medano, Tenerife. Completing my Divemaster certification, I immediately went on to the PADI Instructor Development Course, even though I wasn’t sure I had the mental strength for it.
Turning Fear Into Strength
In July 2020, I became a PADI Instructor. Despite my fears, I poured my heart into guiding and teaching others. In 2022, I began focusing on individual instruction, helping students overcome the same fears I once had. Today, as a PADI Staff Instructor, I feel strong, confident, and grateful — not just for diving, but for the people and experiences that have shaped me into who I am today.
Overcoming Life’s Depths
My path wasn’t easy. Before finding the peace of diving, I survived physical and mental abuse, being raped, and battling cancer twice. For a long time, I didn’t believe I deserved happiness. But with each dive and every student I guided, I started to heal.
This year, I experienced a new milestone — my first trip to the Red Sea. The safari was not just a dive adventure; it was profoundly therapeutic. It marked another step in leaving behind the traumas of my past and embracing the joy I’d long thought I didn’t deserve.
A Message of Strength
To anyone feeling lost: You are strong enough. Diving didn’t just save me; it gave me a way to connect with others, understand their fears, and guide them to overcome challenges. I see each of my students as part of my underwater family. Through diving, I found peace and the belief that I deserve happiness — and so do you.
My message to anyone struggling is the same: You are strong enough. The journey is hard, but it’s worth it. Make your life a dream — because you only have one.
Ready to Start Your Diving Journey?
Take the plunge and begin your underwater adventure today!
- Explore PADI Courses to transform your life through diving.
- Find your next adventure with the PADI Dive Shop Locator or book a dream dive trip on PADI Travel.
- Or, learn more about becoming a PADI Pro here.
Related Reading
- How Diving Changes Lives: Real Stories from Divers
- 5 Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Diving
- Why Scuba Diving Should Be Considered a Wellness Activity
This article was written by guest blogger, PADI Staff Instructor Monica Wiosna.