Occasionally when Sue dives, she takes on an additional challenge that most scuba divers will never experience: she becomes a different person. Sue holds the privilege of being the South Carolina Aquarium’s first ever Scuba Claus, as well as being beloved children’s character SpongeBob SquarePants.

Diving at the South Carolina Aquarium gives her a new perspective. Some of the young people who visit have never imagined that a diver would swim in those waters alongside hundreds of animals. “When the little children come to the window of the Great Ocean Tank, their reactions are amazing. Their expressions say, ‘Wow, there’s someone there!’ Some are a little afraid, some are blown away, and some give an excited high-five.”

Especially when she dresses as a familiar character while diving, Sue sees magic sparked in the youngest guests’ eyes. Outwardly, the dive shows may seem like pure fun for these young people, but they also open the doors of discovery and serve as a teaching aid. “There’s such a connection,” she says. “You can see and feel the energy they have.”