Why indeed.

[trenchkamen]

Today, my Japanese literature professor asked me why I'm not a literature major. In front of the whole class.

I know I turned red. He already heavily refers to my message board posts during class discussion; I already felt like I had been talking/hogging/showing off too much. I said something about having many interests, and that I can teach myself literature and don't need to go to school to be a writer, but I do to be a scientist.

That's all true. The part I did not mention was that I also want to be able to get a day job.

But if I was working at Starbucks, maybe I'd have more time to write.

It made me realize that lately I've been neglecting something for which, maybe, I have a talent.

I can be a scientist and a writer. It's just difficult to give both the focus they need.

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On a related note, I turned in my first thesis draft and poster copy this week. Spring break is next week. At least I don't have to go to class; it's time to work on my outreach project and maybe study for all the exams I have the following week. And get some stuff done in the lab. And my sister is going to Mexico to party.

Comments

[johnwwells.livejournal.com]

Glib answer: Writing and science both require a lot of experience.

It's difficult, but possible, to get popular writing experience as a scientist.

On the other hand, try getting lab experience as a lit major...

[trenchkamen.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

[keichisfuuma.livejournal.com]

Drop it all and get your ass to Mexico and party.

Kidding... Or maybe not.

Also, you don't want to work for SBUX, don't get me wrong, great health benefits, but your sarcasm would be found 'not progressive', trust me.

I work as a waitress to support myself through art school. It's not ideal, its just something to get by on until I can support myself doing what I love. Do I worry that I will never get a break and I will be stuck waiting tables the rest of my life? Constantly. The chances of making a decent living in the art world are slim, and the chances of making enough to live comfortably are even slimmer.

I know I will probably never know comfort or financial security, but this is my passion, and if I don't follow it, I will always wonder what could have been, and sleep restlessly knowing I didn't at least try to follow my dream. I might be trying until the day I die. But when I am drawing or watching my animation, and I see my finished product and the joy it brings to those that see it, it is all worth it.

I'm not saying SCIENCE isn't your passion, or that you don't find joy in it, I know you do, and your damn good at it. I think I just went on a rant...

But don't be afraid to take a risk for something your talented at and passionate about. It's a hard choice, it took me years to make, but if you really love it, you'll take the leap.

I know you already know all of this and I am sure you are thinking about it a lot. Your so smart and gifted in so many different ways, I hope you find something that caters to all your interests and talents.

[xcerebraledemax.livejournal.com]

HA, Lauren at the Starbucks. I laugh, not because I don't think you're capable; you're TOO capable, and it's quite honestly a waste to stick your mind behind a counter in a green apron. I laugh because I can so clearly hear what you'd say and see your face as you Dr. House some high maintenance jackass.

...But the paid off hours you can accumulate!! Shoot I miss that.

That's awesome that your professor said that, because it's damn true. The few things I have been privileged enough to read of yours have always drawn me in and impressed me. I have no doubt that what you do with your career in science is going to be something big. Even what you've done so far is something to pride yourself on. But I hope that writing finds it's way into your schedule soon, because you are way too good to set it aside for too long.

[trenchkamen.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Annie.

[trenchkamen.livejournal.com]

I know I can do both science and writing. It's just difficult. I wonder how my talents are being allocated.

I'm not seriously considering dropping all this. It's a theoretical with no easy answer. It's not as though I have only one passion in my life toward which to devote all my energy. I am fortunate that one of my passions happens to offer with it a degree of financial security. So in following my other passion, I'm not really taking a risk insofar as finances are concerned, because I have a fallback. I guess that makes it less admirable.

People romanticize the starving artist bohemian lifestyle. I don't. Hipsters have gotten a chance to romanticize it from afar, and many of them have never known the reality of financial insecurity. They have their parents, or something, to fall back against, so they can live at home and dabble. And I admit financial insecurity is something I've never known, so I can't talk about it firsthand. I come from a financially privileged background, and I'm moving into another one. But it's a sacrifice not for the faint of heart. And I have always had the utmost respect for you for knowing what you're getting in to, and still following it, because it's what you want to do.

[miwasatoshi.livejournal.com]

Chambers-sensei has a keen sense of character and talent, and he does not give compliments lightly.

Well, well done, Lauren. :D

[trenchkamen.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I find his class intensely relaxing and easy, for all he's an excellent professor. Maybe I'm just comparing it to medicinal chemistry.

Thanks. I'm still rather flattered.