in loving memory of katina

I struggled to choose the right song for a while. I ended up choosing this song because it was one of the first songs I ever edited, and it’s very special to me. Katina is the reason I started editing. In my early teenage years, editing, and Katina specifically, was my everything. I was often lonely and had been let down by some trusted adults. Katina was one of the reasons I got out of bed in the morning. She was everything I hoped to be: smart, playful, a leader, loving, patient, energetic, caring, and so much more. All I wanted was to go to SeaWorld to see her. I’m very blessed with supportive parents who made it our next family vacation. During this trip, I got to my first KWUCT, where I got Katina at the underwater viewing glass for a photo. Although it was only a short time, I am so thankful for that memory. A couple of years later, I did my second KWUCT, this time in the back pools. I was wearing my “team Katina” shirt, and the trainers went out of their way to make sure I had special moments with her. The last time I saw Katina was in February 2024. I know she impacted so many people, even those who didn’t have the opportunity to see her in person. I’m so grateful that I had the privilege of seeing her in person and being inspired along with thousands of other guests. I know that many others are grieving. My heart goes out to all who were impacted by her, especially her care team. I cannot imagine what they are feeling right now. Rest in peace, Katina. I miss you so so much. I had many technical difficulties with this, so I apologize for the glitching in some of the slow-motion clips. Footage belongs to: Cetacean lover Forever Shouka Avery's Fallen Darknessoforcas SeaWorld Tessorca and myself