Taking a deep dive into Erin’s scuba journey

Senior Erin Walton has a deep passion for the world underwater. She expresses this passion through her writing and her hobby of scuba diving. 

Scuba diving is where an individual can take deep dives underwater without having to worry about running out of air. They do this by using special equipment such as air tanks and regulators. Because of this equipment, scuba divers can explore the wildlife in the sea and observe all the mystical wonders it has to offer. 

“There are a lot of different dangers that are more present, but also, you can see things that literally don’t exist on land. You can see thousand-foot drop-offs and cliffs,” said Walton. “All the animals, fish, and other things that live there are super cool to get to see in person. But usually, you only get to see them in aquariums or on TV.”

Ever since Walton was thirteen, she has been an avid scuba diver. She is very knowledgeable on the subject, and she shows it in multiple ways. One of these ways is her writing. 

“She clearly enjoys taking a deep dive -pun intended- into the biological sciences, particularly oceanography. The topics and settings of her stories often reflect those interests. Her expertise in the sciences gives her writing credibility and an authoritative tone, even when she’s writing fiction,” said Barry Peters, Walton’s English teacher.

Walton has also expressed an interest in teaching scuba diving. It has mostly been a hobby so far, but Walton would not be opposed to teaching it, especially since it would give her room to keep doing what she loves. But overall, Walton says her favorite thing about diving is the sensation. 

“I really like the weightlessness [of diving] because you have complete control, based on your skill, of how much you float up and down. If you have a lot of experience, it kinda feels like you’re flying, sort of. Gravity does not affect you, and I think that’s the coolest feeling,” said Walton.