Although we end up making our own decisions, we are constantly influenced by people close to us and experiences we have. I am set on graduate school now with the goal of obtaining my doctoral degree in Kinesiology with a Space Life Sciences emphasis. The journey to get to this point took some time, but because of it, I am confident I am on the right path.
Growing up, I always had a love for space evident by getting my first telescope when I was four. My telescope still stands in my room now so I can get a closer look at the stars from time to time. I never let go of my childhood love - it has only grown. I never thought it would be possible to have a career associated with space though besides being an astronaut.
In the sixth grade, my teacher Mrs. Wilk inspired me to aim high in my goals, and I seriously started considering college at that point. Neither of my parents had gone beyond high school, so I never really thought about it before. I pushed myself to get good grades from that point on and graduated valedictorian seven years later. I had made up my mind that I was going to enter the field of psychiatry - I could combine my interest in the human mind while also my interest in medicine. When I got to CMU, I was still set on psychiatry. I had no idea the other options that were available, and I believe part of the reason the field intrigued me was the pay.
Between my sophomore and junior year, I had my first research experience in a Psychology Clinic. Man, was I in for a shock! Psychology was the last field I wanted to be in. Although the experience was meaningful, it did not hold my interest. It was at this time that I began to fully realize the different options available for me, and I began a period of exploration. I still had my mind set on medical school, but was looking at other areas to specialize. I came across aerospace medicine, and my passion for space was reignited. I saw that I could still pursue a career with an emphasis on space related issues. The following summer after my junior year, I was searching different medical schools for aerospace medicine and stumbled across Texas A&M and their Space Life Sciences Training Program. I did not realize at the time it was my dream come true.
Towards the end of summer, I almost joined the Air Force because I could study aerospace medicine and be close to my dream of going to space. I was at the point of signing the papers following taking all the tests when I decided to take a step back and think about my future. Eventually, I decided graduate school was right for me, and I found myself going back to look at Texas A&M. That fall, I became a McNair Scholar, and I had the opportunity to plan a visit and learn more about the program. Over spring break, I visited A&M and instantly knew I could call it home. The faculty were so welcoming and the program the right fit for me. I developed a proposal studying bone mineralization under hypergravity and found myself reading the literature for pleasure. I love my research this summer and feel a confidence towards my direction. I am holding onto my childhood love of space, but now it has developed into a mature direction. I will be able to study the effects of space on the human body!
My journey of exploration was at times frustrating because I felt I would never know my future, but now I feel a confidence I did not have before. It is surreal that my childhood love of space is still a part of me. I hope that all of you are confident in the direction you are heading and know it is the right fit for you. Don't feel pressured by others to choose a certain field but choose it for yourself.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
What Truly Makes Me Happy
I am typically a very happy person - catching me in a bad mood is a rare occasion. I just can't help but be happy - it makes me feel good, and why would I want to feel any other way? There are many things that truly make me happy, some silly while others meaningful. I think at the top of my list are the people who I love and truly care about: my family, my friends, and my girlfriend. Making an impact on society makes me happy, such as conducting research and going on to get my doctoral degree which will provide me with the necessary tools. Then, there is Quidditch! Nothing brings me happiness like Quidditch does - I am in my element when I am on the pitch. Of course, then there is food and exercise - I could not have one without the other. There are many other things, such as warm weather, that bring me happiness, but I would have to write a book to list them all :)
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Communication and Time Management
When me and my girlfriend decided to enter into a relationship, we both knew that long distance was in our future but we knew we would be strong enough to handle anything that got in the way. Now, she is currently doing Teach for America in Memphis, Tennessee, and I am still at Central Michigan. When you want something to work though, you make the sacrifices necessary, and we are doing just that. How do we keep the adventure and connection alive?
We make sure to text each other everyday even though both of our schedules are hectic. Open communication is essential for a healthy relationship. On top of texting, we have set aside Sunday night to make sure we Skype. Time management is critical because you have to make time for each other. I just sent out my first letter to Alyssa this morning - we are committed to sending a handwritten letter every two weeks because who doesn't love getting mail! Starting this week, we are also going to be reading a chapter a week of "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" to share something through distance and be able to discuss the book with each other. There are so many ways to "be together" even through 750 miles. I miss her everyday, but I know eventually we will be able to be in the same place. When that time comes, we will have a much deeper appreciation of time together and have a stronger relationship. <3
Nobody is Perfect
I have been working this summer to have a healthier lifestyle, but it has been a struggle. I was doing really well for three weeks by working out three-five times a week, eating healthier, and getting adequate sleep. However, the last two weeks I have fallen off the bandwagon. This week was the bottom for me - I only worked out once and ate things I should only in moderation. You know what though - nobody is perfect! I am not going to get down on myself because that will only lead to more choices that I should avoid. Rather, I am taking time to examine why I encountered the struggles and ways to do better in the future. I am still committed to improving my lifestyle, and know there are always going to be bumps in the road. So, I am getting back on track!
So, the next time your goal is not going as smoothly as you would like, are you going to get down on yourself, or are you going to learn and take the encouragement to try harder? Ultimately, the choice is yours, but I know you can make the right one!
Full Speed Ahead
One thing is for certain - time does not slow down! I just watched my sister graduate eighth grade and enter high school; it is hard to believe because I feel like I just got to hold her for the first time. Life is full speed ahead and sometimes it can be hard to live in the moment. Right now, I am focusing on my summer activities: GRE preparation, contacting graduate schools, conducting my research, and finding time to relax and hang out with my friends. The whole looming application process is exciting and anxious for me. I have grown so much here at Central and feel comfortable where I am - I have made lifelong friends and have grown personally here in so many ways. To pick myself up and move across the country to start over in a more challenging environment is a frightening thought; on the other hand, finally being able to specialize in what I am passionate about is exhilarating!
Growing up in Rogers City, I felt out of place because few people shared my passion for academics and had a similar personality. I had few friends and could not wait to graduate, although I was nervous about going to college because I was not a social person. When I moved into my dorm in August 2010, I prayed my roommates would be easy to get along with and that they would like me - I was not comfortable with myself at the time and felt closed off from the world. My focus was solely academics because I felt confidence only in that area. Little did I know that my one roommate would become my best friend and I would end up living with him all four years at Central. He helped me come out of my shell, and I finally felt comfortable being able to be myself after a while. While academics was still important to me, I began to realize there was more to love in life!
I joined student organizations and in the Harry Potter Alliance, I found people who would become some of my closest friends and who shared similar personalities and interests. Little did I know, I would meet my current girlfriend through that organization. When I helped to found the Central Quidditch Club, I found a group of people I could be open with and have never felt so passionate about a sport because of the bonding with my team. Then, I became a McNair Scholar and was a part of a group who had similar life experiences and struggles but overcame obstacles and wanted to pursue higher education like I did. Central Michigan has changed me:
1) I don't care what other people think of me and am open to trying new things!
2) I am comfortable in my own skin and am open to being myself!
3) While academics is still important, I don't fret about getting straight A's anymore - there are other things worth focusing on to have a balanced lifestyle.
So, what is the importance of all this? By December, I will have submitted all of my applications for graduate school and it will be official - I will be leaving a place that has become my home and has a special place in my heart because of the effect it had on me. I feel like I will be leaving a piece of me behind, and I will be far away from friends who have impacted who I am. Every time I sit down and study for the GRE or look at graduate schools or do my research, it is a double-edged sword. The application process is upon me, and I am filled with so many feels! Don't get me wrong - I cannot wait to get to graduate school and study space life sciences. I just hope that it will become a home like Central has for me.
Growing up in Rogers City, I felt out of place because few people shared my passion for academics and had a similar personality. I had few friends and could not wait to graduate, although I was nervous about going to college because I was not a social person. When I moved into my dorm in August 2010, I prayed my roommates would be easy to get along with and that they would like me - I was not comfortable with myself at the time and felt closed off from the world. My focus was solely academics because I felt confidence only in that area. Little did I know that my one roommate would become my best friend and I would end up living with him all four years at Central. He helped me come out of my shell, and I finally felt comfortable being able to be myself after a while. While academics was still important to me, I began to realize there was more to love in life!
I joined student organizations and in the Harry Potter Alliance, I found people who would become some of my closest friends and who shared similar personalities and interests. Little did I know, I would meet my current girlfriend through that organization. When I helped to found the Central Quidditch Club, I found a group of people I could be open with and have never felt so passionate about a sport because of the bonding with my team. Then, I became a McNair Scholar and was a part of a group who had similar life experiences and struggles but overcame obstacles and wanted to pursue higher education like I did. Central Michigan has changed me:
1) I don't care what other people think of me and am open to trying new things!
2) I am comfortable in my own skin and am open to being myself!
3) While academics is still important, I don't fret about getting straight A's anymore - there are other things worth focusing on to have a balanced lifestyle.
So, what is the importance of all this? By December, I will have submitted all of my applications for graduate school and it will be official - I will be leaving a place that has become my home and has a special place in my heart because of the effect it had on me. I feel like I will be leaving a piece of me behind, and I will be far away from friends who have impacted who I am. Every time I sit down and study for the GRE or look at graduate schools or do my research, it is a double-edged sword. The application process is upon me, and I am filled with so many feels! Don't get me wrong - I cannot wait to get to graduate school and study space life sciences. I just hope that it will become a home like Central has for me.
My Definition of Success
First of, it has been a while folks! I have been so busy, but I finally have the time to do some personal writing and have a lot to talk about!
What is the definition of success for you? If you ask anybody this question, there will be a variety of responses because for success, it is a personal view. For some people, it is being well accomplished, for others raising a family, and so many other definitions. How do I define success though - it is hard to put down in a few words.
I think as I continue to grow, my definition of success grows with me. I can remember as a kid, success was based on more artificial meaning - defeating made up characters and beating video games (although this has not completely changed). However, as I got to high school and eventually college, success was more personal. I recently read a quote that really summed up how I view success:
"When people ask me what the meaning of life is, I tell them it is to give life meaning."
I think this definition applies to everyone, but it is personalized because everyone has a different idea of what it is to give life meaning. So, for me, success is a combination of things.
1) Being a good role model for my sister as she continues to grow up
2) Having a passion in something that can change the world - such as my research
3) Being comfortable in my own skin
4) Having confidence in the decisions that I make and going through with them
5) Being dependable
6) Someday raising a family
7) Learning through mistakes and experiencing growth
8) Being a committed and loyal boyfriend
9) Being a friend a friend would want to have
10) Having a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle
What is the definition of success for you? If you ask anybody this question, there will be a variety of responses because for success, it is a personal view. For some people, it is being well accomplished, for others raising a family, and so many other definitions. How do I define success though - it is hard to put down in a few words.
I think as I continue to grow, my definition of success grows with me. I can remember as a kid, success was based on more artificial meaning - defeating made up characters and beating video games (although this has not completely changed). However, as I got to high school and eventually college, success was more personal. I recently read a quote that really summed up how I view success:
"When people ask me what the meaning of life is, I tell them it is to give life meaning."
I think this definition applies to everyone, but it is personalized because everyone has a different idea of what it is to give life meaning. So, for me, success is a combination of things.
1) Being a good role model for my sister as she continues to grow up
2) Having a passion in something that can change the world - such as my research
3) Being comfortable in my own skin
4) Having confidence in the decisions that I make and going through with them
5) Being dependable
6) Someday raising a family
7) Learning through mistakes and experiencing growth
8) Being a committed and loyal boyfriend
9) Being a friend a friend would want to have
10) Having a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Camp Was More Than Just Learning
Last week, I had the opportunity to go to Kentucky and spend a week with my fellow Scholars at a Graduate School Preparation Camp. There were other McNair Groups from other schools, and it was interesting to see how we are alike and different. Throughout camp, we had the opportunity to listen to speakers who earned their doctoral degrees and were willing to share the journey they had. I have to admit I was overwhelmed with the flow of information, and when the seminars were finally complete, I was relieved. It took a few days for it to sink in, but I am thankful for the head start I now have on the application process!
The two areas that I most focused on were the personal statement and the interview process. First, the personal statement can be the real ticket into getting your application viewed and making it to the next level. When I left camp, I had not made any progress with writing, but I did have ideas floating in my mind. It wasn't until a few days ago when I really made a jumpstart - but that is another blog post! Second, although I am comfortable in interview settings, I often struggle with showing my enthusiasm to others even though inside I am excited! Learning tips from administrators who actually conduct interviews was a huge asset. It was helpful with a phone interview I had a few days ago - which was a huge deal! Again, that is a future post!
Apart from learning about graduate school, my favorite part of the trip was getting to know all my fellow scholars on a more personal level. Each one of us has a unique gift to offer! Playing in the game room Friday night, I laughed more than I have in a long time. It was desperately needed after an exhausting week. Overall, camp was an amazing learning experience and a great time for bonding with everyone - cannot wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store for us now!
The two areas that I most focused on were the personal statement and the interview process. First, the personal statement can be the real ticket into getting your application viewed and making it to the next level. When I left camp, I had not made any progress with writing, but I did have ideas floating in my mind. It wasn't until a few days ago when I really made a jumpstart - but that is another blog post! Second, although I am comfortable in interview settings, I often struggle with showing my enthusiasm to others even though inside I am excited! Learning tips from administrators who actually conduct interviews was a huge asset. It was helpful with a phone interview I had a few days ago - which was a huge deal! Again, that is a future post!
Apart from learning about graduate school, my favorite part of the trip was getting to know all my fellow scholars on a more personal level. Each one of us has a unique gift to offer! Playing in the game room Friday night, I laughed more than I have in a long time. It was desperately needed after an exhausting week. Overall, camp was an amazing learning experience and a great time for bonding with everyone - cannot wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store for us now!
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