It is no secret to those who know me that I am a total science nerd. I am an OSU graduate, masters in Molecular Genetics, Ph.D candidate as well, but never finished. Because of my failure to complete the D (for those of you from academia, I am proudly an ABD...all but dissertation to those of you non-science folk), I have always related to the Grease song, "Beauty School Drop Out." I get it. I just change the words from Beauty School. to Ph.D. Frequently you can hear me singing this song under my breath, even thought I am proud of my decision to leave. My Masters has served me well, damn it. When Corporate America came calling, I listened, and not just for the paycheck. The money was not the issue, it was a lifestyle choice.
Anyway, back to the reason why I am posting. As you know I am in Orlando, FL and today there was a space shuttle launch. Here is the scoop:
The space shuttle Endeavour roared into orbit Wednesday carrying teacher-astronaut Barbara Morgan, who was finally fulfilling the dream of Christa McAuliffe and the rest of the fallen Challenger crew.
Endeavour and its crew of seven rose from the seaside pad at 6:36 p.m. ET, right on time, and pierced a solidly blue sky. They are expected to reach the international space station on Friday.
Wow! Being the nerd I am, I did everything in my power to see this launch, but failed. It killed me to be so close to this event; withing seeing distance, really. Luckily my husband, who is also in Orlandofor business, was able to see the launch. Live!!! I am so jealous. What an amazing thing to witness. I am determined to make it back down here for the next launch, so that I can be a part of it. I'm told by my husband that traffic was backed up for miles. Kudos to those who made the trip. This is a part of our history and I am disturbed to find that most people don't give a crap about it. Hopefully those of you in Cbus watching this event on television and thought about what an amazing feat this truly is/was. More interesting to know... Barbara Morgan was Christa McAuliffe's back up for the Challenger launch. What a brave women she was, all in the name of Science,curiosity. We should all admire her and her pursuit of knowledge, her willingness to jeapordize her life for her passion for science.
I know that many of you out there couldn't give a crap about science. But, hopefully you will find something out there that you believe in. Something that you are willing to sacrifice for. Something that will fill your heart with passion. Without passion, what have you really got?
One final comment before I crash. Just wanted to give a shout out to Dr. Jane Reece. Thank you for your passion for teaching Biology. Thank you for your hard work in putting your passion onto the pages of a text book. I recognize your hard work in taking on this task. It is because of you that I have a job and am proud of what I do for a living. More college students should have access to the information that you make availabe. More authors should be as accessable as you. This will be my mission if life, to spread the word. Knowledge is power. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all!!
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4 comments:
Don't finish your degree if you like science. Unless you go into the professor business, a Ph.D. sucks. It forces you into a tiny niche that is brutal to work with. No one thinks your capable of thinking about anything but your thesis topic for the rest of your life. As a working man, my phd has been the biggest impediment to trying new things. If I weren't so burned out on my discipline (from the extra years of abuse), I'd have a much more positive outlook on science, like yourself.
Dave,
It took many years to have this outlook. I too was a victim of the system and its abuse. It is a terrible thing and so sad that it is a many member club. I am glad I got out when I did.
I think the tough thing is that people assume that you didn't finish the program because you couldn't hack it. At this point in my life, I could care less!!!
Thanks for the post!
CBM
You didn't quit, you prioritized. I don't regret the phd ONLY because if I didn't stay in that location that long, I wouldn't have met my wife. It's my only good memory of school. A neat book on this is (not a super fun read, but I enjoyed it) is Disciplined Minds. Take care. Probably see you around sometime. I live on Glen Echo Ravine.
I'll have to check it out, neighbor.
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