OP: My first dive with sharks was very interesting. I wasn't "afraid" of sharks (my brother is deathly allergic to the thought of sharks)....but I was nervous about being in the water with them. On one dive, the guide said 'Yup, them spots down there are sharks!" I was freaking out, I was so nervous. We hopped in the water, I looked: Yup, sharks! AHHHHHH!!H!H!H!H!H!!HHHH......wait, they're pretty cool. Literally, that was my thought process. I freaked out for like one second while my brain wrapped around the sharks. I think the official count was like 200+ sharks in the water at that site. VERY fun dive. After a few minutes in the water, they were friends. Everything was Nurse/Reef/Blacktip for a while....ranging from 3-6ft or so. Guide indicated "big shark" to me a few times, and by the time I realized it a gigantic bull shark was on top of me. I fainted (or almost did) from surprise....but it swam right on by. VERY cool experience. Only other time I was afraid of sharks was diving an NC wreck. I was in the middle of a school of fish those sand tigers apparently found yummy. I moved out of their way, and really enjoyed watching them dart through the school. Those are some dopey-looking sharks!
I guess my point is that when you're in their environment, respect them. Envy them. Be awe-struck by them....but don't fear them. They're incredible creatures, and they're getting more and more scarce. Outside of a few dive sites known for sharks, I've come across very few in my days of diving. Now that I'm cave diving, I'm coming across even less of them.....but that's besides the point! Get certified, enjoy your diving, and have your rational side tell your irrational side that they're not there to harm you. I know it's not that easy, but it'll be worth it when you finally get over it.