Biology feels like a reality dating show gone bad. In the beginning you get to know it, and it’s going great. You two were bouncing ideas off of each other, and it felt like you can’t take your eyes off of it. You find yourself entranced by it, then bam! It starts getting difficult to understand, giving you mixed signals, and leaves you confused.
That was, and still is, me. I’d consider biology as my first love, and I got nothing back from it except a possible caffeine addiction and a permanently ruined sleep schedule. I have never even received flowers.
9th grade was the start of my love-hate relationship with biology. Finding out all sorts of new things about my own body and how it functions to work everyday and put up with my late nights and early mornings. For example, did you know that zoning out is essentially small regions of your brain taking 1 to 5 second micro-naps, even while your eyes are still open? I could bet five dollars that none of you reading this right now knew that. I only got to know that since biology class was my only excuse to bother the teacher with the most niche questions.
Once I moved to AS Biology in 11th grade my relationship started going downhill. The honeymoon phase was over and the arguments were starting. It felt like I was going nowhere with it; just when I thought I understood the subject, it started revealing its true colors. Translation…transcription…macrophages…I felt like I was going insane with every new fact trying to shove itself into my brain. The content was getting less interesting and just felt like another piece of information I had to remember for my tests. I think we were both losing feelings for each other at that point.
Yet, I still continue to pursue the path of science and biomedicine. Perhaps it’s me holding onto the remaining feelings for the subjects and refusing to cut ties with it, especially after all we’ve been through throughout my high school years.
No matter what you choose to pursue, they will all have their pros and cons, and it is up to you to decide whether or not you are willing to go through with the struggles. Just keep in mind that you love that subject for a reason, and the problems you are experiencing right now will all pay off in the end. For me, there were so many instances where I questioned if I was choosing the right pathway, however I thought about my future and realized that I will be doing what I love, whether I become a mad scientist or helping save lives. But keep this in mind; don't catch feelings for STEM too quickly!!!
Don’t be afraid to venture out and try something new that piques your interests, who knows if it might become a part of your life. Remember, you only live once.
Nevertheless, I hope this doesn’t serve as a warning sign for you guys, this was all for laughs and don’t be afraid to venture out and try out new things while you still can.