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A regular classroom in the physical
education building was transformed into a visual event. With
tapes of scuba divers and coral reefs full of marine life such
as the mighty shark and playful dolphin to the slithery eels
and stingrays, students were taken to exotic, far off places
of underwater worlds.
But that was just an ordinary day in the
Scuba Diving class during the mid-March windy weather.
Though it is nothing new, few students know about the opportunity
to partake in scuba classes right here at Eastfield.
The classes are Scuba Diving (Open Water Diver certification
- for life), Advanced Open Water Scuba and the Divemaster classes.
"Our current scuba diving class is
a combination of credit and continuing education students,"
Scuba Instructor Ken Balvin said.
These classes give students the chance to participate in different
types of physical education classes.
"There is life beyond the normal P.E.
classes," Balvin said. "We are trying to get students
to see beyond just the normal 1164 (Physical Fitness) and try
out new P.E. classes as well."
Some degree plans and schools also count
physical education classes as electives.
First-time scuba student Janice Gagliardi
is looking forward to her first dive.
"Going in is going to be wonderful,
and I am really excited," she said. "I have never done
scuba diving before; a real first timer."
Each class requires classroom time, pool
time and lake or "environment" time to complete the
course.
"We go to Lake Travis in Austin at
the end of each semester for two dives on either Friday - Saturday
or Saturday - Sunday," Balvin said. "I love Lake Travis.
It's a great place to dive, overcome fears and grow in developing
trust."
Other instructors agree, too.
"This is an incredible class to take
them out of their [students] comfort zone and boost their confidence,"
PADI Instructor Mario Salazar said.
Balvin said scuba diving is a great way
to experience something new, either right here or while traveling
abroad. When trained properly, scuba diving is also easier than
snorkeling. You also have the opportunity to be one with the
sea life, not swim above it.
While showing photos of his dive travels,
Balvin talked about his many experiences.
"I always see and experience something
new on a dive," he said. "Dive travels are like a culture
you're meeting."
About 30 years ago, at the start of Eastfield
College, Ken Balvin asked if he could start something new. He
was given the go-ahead, and the school has had a scuba diving
program ever since.
Scuba diving can also be a family sport.
Some of the students Balvin has taught are second-generation
Eastfield scuba divers.
"I've done a lot of classes and trained
some of their parents, too," Balvin said. "I've seen
how it changes life with friendship and families. It's something
that the whole family can get involved in [together]."
Ken Balvin himself has been involved in
the sport for many years.
"Water sports have always been in
my blood, especially scuba," Balvin said.
Balvin said diving can really be a "liquid
heaven" and give students the opportunity to experience
many new things from marine life, to new places and people.
"I want to let people know that it's
[scuba diving] extremely safe, tons of fun and your ticket to
a lifetime of fun and memories," Balvin said.
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