I have always been fortunate that whatever seed was planted in my head at birth grew into such a strong passion, and I have relied on this direction like a compass throughout my life. Whenever the waters have been rough, whenever I couldn't really see past the next big storm, I tried my best to steer the course and stay on my path to becoming a scientist one day.
Since graduating with a Fisheries and Wildlife degree in May of 2011, I have had a year and a half to think, rethink, brainstorm and torment myself about where I would find my future. I have experienced the highest of highs, such as seeing Africa a second time and my east coast trip this spring. But there have also been some pretty low lows. I'll be the first to tell you this economy is a scary one to follow your passion in. At times I have thought to myself, "Why are you being so naive? I know you love ecology and conservation, but you need to be thinking about how you are going to pay your bills. Why are you still trying to follow this silly passion when what you really need to be following is a good paycheck." That voice in my head has filled me with doubt and trepidation more than I'd like to admit. However during these times, I am so grateful to my parents, my family and friends and to Ben for reaching overboard and grabbing my hand when I have fallen with frustration. I don't know where I would be without the love and support that I am surrounded by.
With bleak prospects and frustration building I drudged on and continued to apply for every job, volunteer my time with the things I am passionate about and tried to keep my head above water. Then about a month ago I saw a posting for a great graduate project right here at UNL. I picked myself back up and began to put everything I had into finally achieving my biggest goal: being a graduate student in an ecology program. After a month of meetings, applications, and waiting by the phone, the good news finally came! Starting in the spring I will officially be a graduate student working towards a Masters of Science in Applied Ecology. What's more is I received a graduate assistantship, which means I will be getting paid to go to school! Of all the things that I've done in my 23 years, I've never felt so excited and proud. I plan on throwing every little bit of myself into my classes, this project and this degree, because I know how incredibly lucky I am to get this opportunity.
But I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without my amazing support system, and for that I would like to say thanks.
To my family and friends, thank you for always encouraging me with your loving words.
To Ben, thank you for staying by my side even when I felt like falling apart. You are the best friend, partner, boyfriend and companion I could ever ask for.
To Kingston, thank you for always cheering me up and making me laugh and smile when I need it the most.
And to my parents. Thank you papa for all the hard work you have always done to support your family. And thank you for remaining a kid at heart :) I love you so much! And to my momma, you are such an incredible person, wife and mother. I am so grateful for all the times you sat there and listened as I cried, laughed and shared my troubles and happy moments with you. You have never stopped believing in me, and you have an uncanny gift to always see the positive that was coming around the bend before I could. You are my number one fan, and I can never thank you enough for that. I love you so much!
One month until classes start! Of all the chapters in my life I know this one will be the toughest and yet most rewarding. I am so grateful for this, and am ready to hit the ground running!
