My rookie era: the shame of failing my scuba diving licence sticks to me like my wetsuit

‘Who knew breathing underwater would involve more than just swimming with a tank of air on my back?’ Isabella Lee on her attempt to acquire her scuba licence. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

Would you rather go to space or the bottom of the ocean? I have always chosen the ocean, where beauty is bountiful. Under the sea are hundreds of mini-worlds unbothered by life on the surface.

Which is one reason why my friend suggested I get my scuba diving licence. The other was that diving was on the itinerary for an upcoming holiday. I’d never thought about being a certified diver before, but I was excited to have the ability to explore the big blue.