Well this is going to be my last post as the Rolex Australasian Scholar for 2008/09. It has been a tremendous year and it all came to an end on the 25th April 2009.

It was off to the bright lights of New York City for my final destination as the scholar. Finishing the scholarship was not something that I was looking forward to but something that I was anticipating and knowing all to well, all good things must come to an end!

However joining me for this trip was my mum, Dianne, and I was to meet my brother Tom and mate Tyler in the city after they had spent 6 months in Canada. Not quite the scenic isolated diving destinations that I love, well quite the opposite actually, but for cities, New York City is my favourite! With some sight seeing under our belt, it was time to reunite with Jamie and Eline, my fellow scholars and the rest of the scholarship ‘family’, but what makes this week so special was to meet up with the three new scholars.

Last month I meet Matt Carter, a marine archaeologist from New Zealand. The North American Scholar, Myfanwy Rowlands (it’s a welsh name if you are wondering!) similar to me, studied marine science and is very active with marine conservation initiatives and photography. But, almost on the other side of the spectrum is the European Scholar, Filip Wolski from Poland, who is a mathematics and computer genius and experienced diver who will follow interests in decompression theories and dive computers. This makes for a well rounded group of experienced and friendly individuals covering many aspects of the underwater world.

The grand finale was held at the prestigious Explorers Cub where we had presentations to the board of directors, a fun dinner to introduce the new scholars, and a presentation of highlights of my year,. This is where I was inducted as the scholar one year ago and where I returned the scholarship flag for the new scholars and presented my end of year video.

‘The Year Aquatic with Steve Lindfield’ (somewhat of a take on the movie ‘The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou’) showcases some of the 242 dives across 10 countries that I undertook during the year, with emphasis on marine science, marine protected areas, artificial reefs and dive related courses. Trying to fit 38hrs of video into 15min was a challenge but I was happy with the final result!

Watching the movie makes me realise the year did fly by quite quickly, which makes it hard to process all that I have learnt! However this year has been the best of my life, the adventures and challenges along the way, the endless list of things I have learn’t and the people and friendships I have made, will all help me in the coming lifetime. Always knowing the scholarship will come to an end eventually, I believe I made the most of the year. I am happy with what I have accomplished and with my new skills and experience. Now all I can say the future is looking promising!

Thanks to all the people who have helped me along the way. Thank you to the scholarship society, all the sponsors and hosts. But especially Jayne Jenkins who put her trust in me and was always supportive. My fellow scholars, Jamie and Eline whom we shared a tremendous year, they are the ones that know how special the year was. Hope to see you all again soon…..

Although the year is over and the new Australasian Scholar Matt Carter will be taking the focus of this website, I will still be contributing the site and updating you with my progress on a new life. Adventures will continue and you never know, maybe I will already be somewhere special again diving with the largest fish in sea? Find out soon….

Best Fishes

Steve Lindfield