Veronica Llaneza
Photo courtesy of Marina LaGrave

Veronica Llaneza

When I was 8 month old, my parents taught me how to swim. I learned how to swim before I even walked. Being under the water has been like breathing to me - part of my life.

I was surrounded by divers since I was born because my father is a dive instructor and my mother is an advanced diver. My brother and sister and I grew very aware of nature and animals. We learned that it was important to appreciate them. I felt like I was part of it. In every dive my father introduced us to new species. I have snorkeled since I was 4 and a half, and started scuba diving when I was 8 years old. I am a certified IANTD and CMAS diver.

My Father is a marine biologist and environmental engineer. I love what he does, and have decided that I want to do the same and try to save our environment by protecting it, taking action by changing our behavior toward the way we see and relate to nature and the importance of preventing any damage from the human impact on it.

I am a student at the University of Florida in my third year of the Environmental Engineering program. I also work in the labs doing research related to water quality. The more I learn about the importance of protecting the ocean, the more I love to dive and respect it. Every dive is a new different experience and I always meet new species .

Diving allowed me to be with myself, and to be part of a silent, blue, spiritual and magic environment with beautiful creatures

Last modified June 23, 2008 by Lisa Gardiner.

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