Open to the Future

University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge

Maybe I’m overly influenced by my own choices, but I can’t imagine a better way to prepare myself for the future than through education. While I’m drawn to the values of traditional academic institutions like the University of Cambridge, I’m not only referring to this type of education. Opportunities to study at institutions like these are few and far between, and are mostly offered to students who have had the chance to distinguish themselves in the past. Furthermore, significant financial resources are needed to take advantage of these opportunities. I’ll begin studying at one of these universities in the fall, but most of my more valuable educational experiences have, in the past, taken place outside of a traditional classroom.

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I Think I’m Home

Chalk cliffs at Beachy Head
Chalk cliffs at Beachy Head

The landscape of the South Downs at Beachy Head in East Sussex is one of the most visually striking scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Lush, rolling, green hills set against stark, cream chalk cliffs create an otherworldly effect. When I visited the area, cloud-filtered winter light gave everything a hazy, yellowish-gray tinge. A strong wind blew salty mist in from the sea during the entirety of my three day stay. Contrasting elements of harsh and soft had all of my senses working overtime. Read more

Saying Thanks

In recent months, I’ve started to focus on being happy. After years of planning and working, I’ve secured a seat at my top choice of veterinary schools. I’m no longer chasing after something seemingly unattainable with every ounce of energy I can muster. I achieved the highest goal I set for myself, and now I’m free to devote more energy to the areas of personal development that I’ve neglected while making it happen. This is the focus that will bring me genuine happiness. Read more

The Sun Will Shine

The sun will shine.jpg

This week’s WordPress photo challenge encouraged bloggers to “let [their] inner world and the outside one converge in a photo.” I planned to post on this at some point this week, but inspiration fell in my lap before I even started looking. Read more

The other day, I experienced something for the first time in my entire academic career. A professor, addressing all of the graduating seniors in my biology program, said that it’s important to “do what makes you happy” when pursuing a career. That’s something I’ve always kept in mind. It’s what my parents have been telling me since I decided I wanted to be a forensic scientist in elementary school. It’s what they continued to tell me when I moved on to dreams of becoming a veterinarian in middle school. I’ve always had strong feelings about what I wanted to do with my life, because I’m absolutely miserable if I’m not ultimately working toward something that I want. But, I know not every one of my classmates has had the same experience. Some graduating seniors still don’t know what they want to do in terms of a future career. Read more