I really can’t believe you’re all gone! This island is WAY TOO QUIET!
When you all first arrived (in the rain and lightening) I was unsure what to expect, but I can tell you what I got – 20 of the most wonderful smiles I’ve ever seen and 20 of the sweetest and most polite young men I’ve ever met. We had an absolute blast with you all! While it was supposed to be work for me, I can tell you it didn’t feel like it! What a fantastic week!
To the parents of these students: Thank you for entrusting Dive BVI to take care of your children! Their safety was our number one priority and you should know that I’ve never had a group who were more responsible divers that these guys. Be so proud of your sons – they represented your family and school in the most amazing way.
Almost at the end of the week, I asked Mr. Kirby & Dr. G who they thought had been affected the most by the program. We through names around and thought about how each of you came far in a different way. What I found out today when I sat down at my desk is that we perhaps had it all wrong – after you left, I realized that maybe it was us who had been most affected. I watched you learn about my world, see its amazing wonders, and care for it by focusing on your data collection. I watched brand new divers become independent and confident with their skills and ability and could perform a scientific study with out direct supervision. I watched you put your energy into each other and yourselves to make positive impacts in your relationships and your environment. Observing all of this made me so proud of you and the kind of person each of you are today and will be in the future. THAT affects me profoundly. YOU affected me and my business in a way that has reminded me why I moved here in the first place and what I love about this island. I’m not sure how to even explain it. From all of the staff at Dive BVI and all of us who got to play with you this week – Thank YOU!
Mr. Kirby & Dr. Gruninger – we couldn’t ask for better partners. You are inspiring and these guys are lucky to know you and have you in their lives… as are we! Thanks for your support. We are eternally grateful for what you’ve done for us and with us!
We miss you crazy guys! I’ll continue to compare every other summer group to the most awesome group ever – JCP Marine Biology Class of 2011!
Love you guys – Come back soon!
Casey & Jeff McNutt