How about Biology...

As I finish up senior year at WPI, it’s the time where I get a little reflective on the time I spent here. Needless to say, it has been a very valuable experience that gave me a superb education. But one of the many questions that pops up is: why biology?
I knew that biology was a passion for me since I was introduced to science. When I first got here though, I was determined to go to medical school. More exposure to the world of doctors and that kind of lifestyle made me realise, however, that I really did not want to deal with stressful days all my life, and treat health as a business. That’s when I decided to focus my energy on biology itself.
As a senior, I realise how truly diverse this field can be. I am talking about going to school for conservation, but there are a hundred other options for me. I can go into agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food production, cosmetics, reconstructive surgical procedures, bio-related drugs, genetics, environmental work- and these are just to name a few. I always have the option of doing research, or getting an MBA and joining the corporate side of things. It’s such a great field to be in, where I can hop around and do what I please, that I hope to never be bored.
I know that a few years ago, I would always get a little discouraged by seeing students who were so completely focused on their field, and had what they called their ‘five-year-plan’ all figured out. My best advice to all of you out there would be- don’t get discouraged! There is such a variety of things to do with science, that if you really love it, you will find your own way. A friend of mine who is the same major was told by someone that this wasn’t a field where you could joke around and be flaky all your life. I agree-but it’s also a field where you can be diverse. So if you want to go to Africa and play with tigers one day (like me), you can do that. Or if you love being focused for hours in lab and following procedures, and coming up with expeirments, you can do that. Or if you love biology and computers, you will probably enjoy bioinformatics. Even if you like surgery and making bio-products, but don’t like medicine- you can do something in biomedical engineering. These three fields-biology,biomedical engineering, and biochemistry- leave nothing unturned in the world of science. So whatever you want to do with science, I say, go for it, despite whatever someone tells you or however many people seem to be going in a different field. Ask questions from all your professors, make connections with upperclassmen, and make your own path to your future :)