Abigail Smith | Scuba Diver | Marine Conservationist | UK | Australia
Born in the UK, PADI Staff Instructor and marine conservationist, Abigail Smith, is passing on her passion for the ocean to others.
Her life changed when an online search for a conservation internship in Utila, Honduras became available between her university finals and graduation. As many diver pros do, Abi cancelled her flight home and continued to live on the small island to pursue a career in marine conservation.
Abi quickly realised she wanted to get people in the water to show them how important marine conservation is, so 3 years after her arrival in Utila, she became a PADI IDC Staff Instructor and the Program Manager and Intern Counselor for The Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center.
Abi is now based in Australia, and we cannot wait to see what this powerhouse of a woman ends up doing next!
📸 @gilsassiphotography
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Being given the freedom to explore, to learn from mistakes, and to feel supported throughout it all.
📸 @marinemeg_
What are you doing in or around the ocean?
Scuba diver, freediver, sea swimmer, and beach dweller.
What/who currently inspires you?
Anyone who is carving their own path, making it happen and having an impact despite the countless hurdles! I am inspired by drive and compassion.
📸 @marinemeg_
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I had it all planned out to enter the film industry (a longtime goal of mine). Until I applied for a 4-week internship in Honduras, which turned into 5+ years of me living on a remote island, teaching scuba diving, and managing a marine conservation NGO. I remember making a profound choice back then, but had no idea how much that would shape my future.
📸 @mariemeg_
What do you value most in life?
Having a purpose. Not in an egotistical way, but feeling as though what you're pouring from your cup is contributing to others or a bigger picture. Whether that be in your work life, friendships, partnership, community etc.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Without getting carried away with writing an essay. Simply, to see more kindness and compassion from humans. Coming from a marine conservation focus, I've always thought that the world would be a better place if humans spent more time in the water. And though I worked hard for my opportunities and made it a priority, I'm grateful to have had the experiences and encounters which have fuelled me with so much drive and passion. If every person could witness the same, I could only imagine how our environment would thrive.
What brings you the most joy?
Quite a long list! But in a nutshell: Being creative, being underwater, and being around dogs.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams?
Remain true to yourself. Receive advice, make contacts, lean on your community, but ultimately bring it back to you. Create a solid foundation for yourself so you can always rely on what you've built and achieved. Overcome imposter syndrome and as long as you’re taking chances based on what you're passionate about, there is no failure in that.
📸 @ocean_eli
