Under the banner of PADI Women’s Dive Day, our Simone organized a special event focused on diving education. The event brought together new students and alumni from the 1st to the 14th graduating class of our school SMKS Kr. Solagratia Tongkaina.
Participant enthusiasm was high, as this marked the first time Simone Gerittsen—a PADI Course Director and the founder of SMKS Kr. Solagratia Tongkaina—initiated such an activity at Thalassa Dive & Wellbeing Resort Manado.
This event became an inspiring collaboration, where alumni were given the space to share their personal stories and life experiences. They came from diverse backgrounds—some now work as dive guides, scuba instructors, mermaid instructors, dive shop staff, entrepreneurs, football players, and others who are still pursuing their dreams.
Several alumni shared stories of challenging life journeys—some had even dropped out of school but managed to rise again and eventually succeed as dive guides. In this meaningful moment, they spoke about how their education at the school shaped their lives, and the importance of persistence and hard work in reaching their goals. They showed that dreams are not just to be imagined—they must be fought for.
The stories shared by the girls deeply inspired the other students. Many of the new students left feeling motivated, with some even beginning to dream of becoming dive instructors, just like the alumni they met that day.
