University - this might be a really naive question

[Funky_Fish14]

Hmm, well, im certainly the one with the least 'life experience' in this thread (being 19, haha), but I might add my point of view:

Obviously, having an education really 'keeps your options open'. Even if you dont do something with the degree, you've proven to the world that you can accomplish such a thing. Also, most university courses will apply to other areas of study as well, particularly the earlier courses, as previously mentioned. The skills you learn in university can and do apply to everyday life as well. Im only in my first year of study (for a bachelor of science with a General Biology major, environmental studies minor), and I think the life lessons, intellectual devices, 'workplace habits', and all other skills i've learned, are almost exactly on par with the amount of 'book knowledge' I have gained. Im sure none of what i said is new to you, and is probably a repeat from the thread, but its my 2 cents worth.

Another advantage i've found really fun - the application of 4 out of my 5 current courses TO my fishkeeping hobby, and the application of my fishkeeping hobby, directly back into 2 of those courses. Im in the middle of a biology report based on my freshwater fish behavior, and have been able to use my hobby enthusiam and experiences for ALL of my personal responses in my environmental studies course. My teachers LOVE to hear about it. I think this aspect is pretty darn cool. Today even, my bio prof and I had chat about the evolution of diatoms and cyanobacteria(course is about evolutionary biology - so species, behavioral, cellular, molecular evolution). When 'work' turns into your hobby, everything becomes fun. I want to get a master's degree in marine biology. My job opportunities have turned into a playground (no I am not dissalusioned, because I truely am interested in (and willing to) doing/studying just about anything related to biology, aside from humans, lol).

The prospect of concepts related to biology are imense, and I knew there were LOTS of things I could do... now that im in school, I realise there is even more than I ever thought possible to choose from.

Cheers,

Chris

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Yes, for sure, I would recommend you try to find something that takes advantage of your strengths.

[Funky_Fish14]

Exactly.

It HAS to be fun, then you are more motivated to put in the effort. Aside from my mother and an uncle, who figured things out instantly, EVERYONE in my family that is currently 30+ has taken the time to find a career they LOVE. All my family members are happy doing what they do - and all continue to remind us youngin's that that is the most critical aspect of a career choice/path. It didnt always work out at first, but the experiences in the journey there were invaluable.

Cheers,

Chris