My 2 cents worth ...
Well, it is now March. Go enjoy the Bahamas but I would not dive if I were in your shoes .
Sorry but it sounds as if you need more pool time.
The situation could have been handled better by your instructor, helper, or both but also sounds as if you are not ready for the deep blue sea. While dive training never ends you must master the basic skills or any competent instructor should refuse to give you the pass (C-card).
I would practice then complete the certification after you have found comfort with the basic skills .
Dive locally, gain experience, then plan future dive trips to exotic destinations.