Dreams give you a template and opportunity to visualize what often can not be realized. When I was a little boy, I use to watch Jac Cousteau clips on TV along with Sea Hunt. I had read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne; reading was my avenue to adventures, imagining myself being the lead character. I wondered what it would be like to be one of characters in the books and television shows diving in the ocean. All this was an interesting distraction from the reality of my everyday life.

One day, one of the local taxi driver's who was ex-military told me of his adventures as a diver. His story stimulated my imagination of what it must be like exploring the undersea world below the waves. This was a real person, who was telling me the stories of his adventures, adding detail to what I had imagined it would be like. My dreams were enhanced, becoming even more vivid, but still just dreams. Seeing my enthusiasm and interest in diving, he offers to teach me. As a child of a domestic worker and laundress who rented rooms to chauffeurs and other domestic workers in our town, my parents told me lessons were not possible. That day, I thought my dream would never come true. The closest I would get exploring the world beneath the waves would be that submarine ride at Disney World, things changed.

I was saving money for my lessons in a sport/hobby I thought I would never get to do. My first dive experience was a lesson in a pool. Years passed, I saved for lessons and certification. I am in a boat off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico, ready for my first ocean dive. Words hardly express the sensations of being below the surface and having the tropical fish swimming along side me, let me not forget that lucky moment when a small school of dolphins came down to investigate who we were. How wonderful, to see dolphin in their natural habitat; the blue water, and the vibrant colors of the fish and coral. This and other events make you realize you do not want to come out of the water because it is a world like no other; a world vast, encompassing, and stimulating.

I was hooked; in the ocean you see a different world; it changes each minute. This entices you to continue this exploration. I am fulfilling a dream, a whim, which I never thought would happen or could happen. You realize you have a new inner strength and increased self-esteem. To continue my pursuit and passion for diving, Eddie Walker and I created a business S&W Dive Adventures.

It's been said that black people don't dive. That black people are afraid of the water; they are afraid to swim, etc. That diving is a hobby for the rich and upper class people. Well, let me say that is all false. For my buddy and I prove that in our actions and business efforts. We have met over the years other divers of color. Be they of Afro- American heritage, South American, Caribbean, African Heritage, etc. We have also had the privilege and pleasure to meet and dive with school teachers, waitress, bartenders, clerks, department store managers, and secretaries, all walks life; who are doing this sport and loving every chance they get to go diving. Some have been able to adjust their budget and save so their family can be part of these excursions.

So, if you have this dream; I hope this article encourages you to step forward and make your dream a reality. I have seen in my travels where lessons for the Christmas season have been on sale from about $190-$210. Get out there and investigate!!! You never know what you may find. Including the day when you too are realizing your dream like me, in the open water on your first dive adventure to explore that new enticing world under the surface of the ocean. I am Thomas Strain; this has been my story. Learn more about my adventures and join me for a swim. The photos below are from some of my adventures in Belize, Mexico, and Caymon Brac. Visit S&W Dive Adventures (http://www.swdive.com) for more information.

• S & W Drive Adventure - photos
• Escape To Another World