About The Project

My name is Jewell, I'm an underwater archaeologist, and I am afraid of the ocean. 

Underwater archaeologist? Afraid of the ocean? Let me explain-

Growing up in Colorado the beach was not something I felt particularly called to. I didn't spend much time in swimming pools (please, as if I would get my hair wet in public). I didn't feel the need to learn how to swim (I mean, for what?)

However, my sophomore year at Howard University I was taught how to swim. If you saw me, you might not have called it swimming but I kept my head above water! I felt silly and embarrassed that I was so behind- learning this skill at 19. But there was something so calming about letting myself relax in the ocean. 

Fast forward years later, I am now obtaining my PhD to conduct archaeological research underwater by scuba diving. I could say I healed, I could say I am fearless, but the truth is I am still scared of the ocean. 

This quarter, I took a class to get my scientific scuba diving certification. As the only Black woman in the class, I felt anxieties and insecurities rise. I stressed about my hair, I felt like I was flailing compared to my classmates who glided through the pool, and I feared judgment from those who waited in the water while I took my necessary deep breaths before I jumped in. I began contemplating why I felt such anxieties during an activity that truly makes me feel calm and peaceful. 

This project is a result of those feelings- I turned both inward and outward to try to understand not only my narrative with water, but the narratives of people I care about around me. What are their stories? How can we feel empowered in the water? Where do these anxieties come from and what stories do we share?