I never thought I would ever sign my life away and jump out of an airplane. Plummeting into the earth from about 14,500 feet in the air was never intended. If it weren’t for an exciting group of interns I’m working with, I probably wouldn’t have done it. But, after some contemplation and seeing how it could be a once-in-a-life-time opportunity, I thought it would definitely be worth doing it. And I have to say – I have no regrets!

After a safety introduction and waiting around, playing pool, I met my instructor, Mike, who would be strapped to me while skydiving. I was very excited because he told me he lived in North Shore, Hawaii for five years and worked as a sky diving instructor there. He reminisced about the views of the mountains and ocean as he soared through the Hawaiian skies. He didn’t want to move back to the mainland, but his family was there. It made me so happy that he could relate to me, making me feel much more comfortable.

Once Mike helped me put on my vest, we waited a little longer. He then called me over to the airplane and I climbed up the ladder. Shortly after, Robert, one of the other interns joined me. Suddenly, the plane got onto the runway and took off. It all happened so quickly! I watched as Robert got up with his instructor to the plane door. It felt like merely one second before they jumped, startling me. Mike then did some last-minute checks before it was my turn. We got up from our seat and slowly walked to the door. I looked down and was amazed by the view – planes of green and brown with scattered clouds in the sky. With the cold wind in my face and Mike directing me, just like that, we jumped.

I screamed and cheered and couldn’t stop smiling. I was at last an air bender, my ultimate dream! (Engineering was my second choice since air bending seemed a little impractical). I was soaring the skies with nothing but happiness, despite my face rippling from the fierce winds. The world seemed so vast as if it was endless, I being infinitely small. There are so many unexplored parts of the world to see, and it was clear from being in the sky.

Mike pulled the parachute. “Chee hoo!” Mike shouted.

Happily surprised by his reference to home, I cheered back “Cheee hoooo!” and threw up a shaka.

As we slowly descended to the ground, Mike allowed me to steer, and of course, I chose to spin in circles left and right. What can I say? I love crazy roller coasters, and I don’t get nauseous too easily.

It all happened so quickly. The ground was approaching, gravity winning, and I didn’t want to leave. At that moment, I declared life is better in the sky. Seeing everything from a bird’s perspective was magical.

“How was it, Jasmine!?” Mike asked enthusiastically.

I smiled, grinning from ear to ear, “HANA HOU [1]!”

Now, I know this isn’t the end. I feel as if I’m made to be in the air. I am an air bender in training. My next sky diving adventure will be back home in Hawaii, and I can’t wait!

[1] Hana hou – one more time (a Hawaiian phrase)