It has recently become very clear to me what question one gets above all others as one nears graduation...What are you doing after you graduate? I've also come to realize that as an undergrad, "I'm not really sure." is an acceptable answer. As a graduate student, not so much!
Unlike my dad, who swears he always knew he wanted to become a dentist, I still don't know what I want to be. In fact, it took me a couple of years at UNM to declare Biology as a major. Even then I wasn't sure but thought Biology would be the closest fit. After graduation and searching for jobs, I realized most of the jobs offered in the field of biology require a graduate degree. So I applied for graduate school. Did I know what I was getting into? Absolutely not. I feel like everything I've done regarding school or jobs has been because I was supposed to, not because I wanted to or knew without a shadow of a doubt that this is what I was "called" to do. Some people take a couple of years off to "find themselves"...I thought that maybe this is what I should have done. But then I realize, I could take 10 years off and still not know what I want to do! At first this really bugged me, and on some level it still does bug me that I don't know what my "passion" is, but somehow I now have peace that this just may be how it is and that I may never know.
Part of my research requires me to drive 70 miles (one way) to a remote area of western North Carolina and sample vegetation. Do I enjoy doing this? No. I have no desire whatsoever to do this sort of thing as a living. Does this surprise me? Definitely. I love hiking. I love being outdoors. Did I think this was the type of thing I would love doing and do for the rest of my life? Yep. Would I enjoy it more if there was someone out there with me?? Absolutely. Which makes me hope that the reason I hate it so much is because I'm out there alone. Which leads me to my next statement: isn't that what a biologist is supposed to enjoy? Just you and nature...paradise?
So that's why I'm in this limbo...it's made me think I picked the wrong career. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to quit graduate school and never go back to biology. I am going to finish graduate school. I'm also still going to look for jobs in the biology field. There are so many different things one can do in this field, perhaps I just haven't found yet what I really love. I can't say I haven't entertained other career ideas such as veterinarian technician. I applied to and was accepted to vet tech school in Albuquerque. During my second year in graduate school, I regretted my decision not to go to vet tech school. I also have entertained the idea of going to culinary school. A college in Asheville has a 3-week culinary course that I thought would be a good introduction into the culinary world and help me figure out if I should pursue that instead.
A while back my advisor emailed me an article about dogs and conservation issues. When I read the article, I realized that these are two things I'm "passionate" about. Perhaps this is what I'm called to do... http://www.workingdogsforconservation.org/index.shtml see also http://www.examiner.com/a-1496404~Fidos_find_NW_plants_for_rare_butterfly.html
This may be something very difficult to get in to, but I'm definitely going to give it a shot! And then I wouldn't have to hike in the woods by myself! ;o)
Well, technically Dad wanted to be a doctor, but he knew he couldn't handle it if someone "expired" on him, as he put it, so he thought the odds would better if he became a dentist. That's why the Air Force was so good for him, because he cross trained in field medicine and anesthesia. Well, he did hate it when he had to do medical examination of remains for the state of Wyoming...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the point remains that nobody's ever locked into anything--I work with the law all the time without ever having gone to law school for example. Just be aware that whatever direction you end up going, there is likely lots of flexibility within that area.
Ahhh...perpetual question. What do you want to be? :)
ReplyDeleteI've always thought you wanted to be a vet because I know that you have worked in vet offices in the past and that you love dogs. I've also seen specials on TV about saving the rainforests and researching different species of plants, etc. I could see you there, too.
You should be excited! You are a well-educated, environmentally conscious, and beautiful person. You'll be great at whatever you decide to "be."
That's my two cents. ;)
Yeah, I decided I didn't want to be a vet after working at the vet hospital. I actually re-entertained the idea recently and then quickly realized that I was crazy. :o)
ReplyDeleteGod, I still don't know what I want to do, either. And I've been teaching kids for the past three years...yeah, totally not what I WANT to do. At all.
ReplyDeleteI want to be a writer, but that doesn't pay the bills. And the hours suck. And people in Arkansas don't read. Lol. Not really, but...I am still looking for my "dream job," as well.
I agree with Meredith - you can be whatever you want to be! Just start somewhere and if you don't like it, move on. I read once that the average American switches careers every 2-3 years. It's normal to philander. That's what life's about. Go to culinary school. Do the dog thing. Do the biology thing. Do it all and see what fits the best. Just don't pop out a baby and stay at home for the rest of your life. (I know, I know, I just offended a million people). Oh well.
LOL!
ReplyDeleteHey, you can have a baby and still do what you want...as long as he's perfect like mine...
ReplyDeleteEven bigger LOL! ;o) I admit, I was pretty impressed he didn't complain or act up the entire time he spent with us.
ReplyDeleteWow, I read the links and that sounds so perfect for you. Good luck figuring it all out.
ReplyDeleteDad told me that he didn't think he had the grades to be a doc, so he went with the next best thing. He then mumbled something about "meeting enough moron docs to know he was wrong"! Hahaha.
ReplyDelete