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Thoughts September 16, 2010

Filed under: Life — littlelynx @ 10:59 pm
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Gizmo went to his new home today. He’s going to need a lot of attention and care, that one. I really hope his new family understands and respects that. He’ll make an excellent pet if they take care of him right. I love that lil guy. I’m very sad to see him go, but happy that he found a good home.

Lots of things going on in my head. I didn’t realize how stressed I was until someone pointed it out. I’m better at not making decisions because I am so very afraid that it will be the wrong one. I realized today that if I don’t make a decision then I’ll never move forward. I don’t know why I am so afraid of ‘wrong’ decisions. I really need to stop stalling though and do something.

Ash requested a new ‘reading is sexy sticker’ so I made this:

As far as my biology classes that I’m going to take goes, I thought I had decided on four, but now that I read all the descriptions here’s a few more then four:

1.)  Environment, Ecology, and Evolution – Designed for non-science majors. Questions about the natural world are explored through an introduction to the principles of evolution and ecology, including how populations change over time and how organisms interact with each other and the environment. Topics include scientific inquiry; nature of science; evolutionary processes; diversity of life; population, community, and ecosystem ecology; human impacts on the environment; environmental stewardship; and regional environmental concerns. *I know it’s for non-science majors…so I might not take it, but it sounds fun.

2.) Introduction to Biological Chemistry – Basic principles of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry necessary for study of human physiology. Physiological applications of the chemical processes of cellular transport, communication and metabolism emphasized. Laboratory includes use of metric system, basic chemistry techniques and physiological applications. *A must take. I’ve never done organic chem.

3.) Horticultural Botany – Plant terminology, taxonomy, histology, anatomy, morphology, and physiology examined. Emphasis on horticultural practices, plant growth principles, and cultural requirements for plant growth. *This would help me decide if I wanted to major in Botany.

4.) Principles of Biology I – Designed for science majors. Considers molecular and cellular basis of life, energy transformation and metabolism, cellular reproduction, genetics, evolution and the origin of life, and introduction to biological organization. *A must take. I think this will help me get a real grip on Bio and if I want to do it.

5.) Principles of Biology II – Designed for science majors. Surveys biological diversity, examines plant and animal structure, function, and development, considers population, community, and ecosystem levels of organization and animal behavior. *Follow up to the I part of the course.

6.)  Field Botany – Study of the plant kingdom, emphasis on collection, identification, classification and ecology of local flora. Field trips required. *Um, Fun. Probably can’t do it though.

7.) Tropical Biology – Introduction to biology of the tropics. Topics include major tropical biomes, biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, and consequences of human impact on the tropics. Studies include identification of flora and fauna and adaptations of tropical organisms. In addition to on-campus lecture/lab during an academic term, students are required to participate and travel to a tropical location for a real-world learning experience. Field trip requires additional costs. *HELLS YEAH! I don’t know, it would be awesome. We’ll see.

8.) Field Zoology – Study of the animal kingdom, emphasis on location, identification, classification and ecology of local fauna. Field trips required. *Would probably take this one before the Horticulture one, really not sure.

9.) Microbiology – Survey of microorganisms in terms of physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and diversity with emphasis placed on prokaryotes and eukaryotes causing human diseases. Methods of their control including physical, mechanical, chemical, chemotherapeutic, and role of the immune system discussed. *Very possible

So I don’t know, we’ll see. What do you think?

I actually just tried to get into my student part of the website and it says my student number does not exist. *heart attack* Okay….deep breath……I guess I’ll be calling the school tomorrow and asking ‘WTF?!’

Btw, random note: this is my new wallpaper.

I typed in ‘vintage drawings’ in google and this came up. I liked it cause it seems kind of biology-like to me.

Soooo, two things. One: I can’t seem to decide on a major for grad school. Here were my choices starting two days ago: Biology Science – General, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Developmental Biology, Environmental Biology, Zoology, Oceanography, Biopsychology, Plant Science, Botany, Animal Behavior, Marine Science, Plant Molecular Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, Biological Anthropology.

I have tried to research them (only got through about four) and I’ve now ruled out: Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Developmental Biology, Biopsychology. I might however have added Bioethics.

Soooo very difficult. I almost feel like going the general route would be smart, but…a cop out. I don’t know. I definitely need to get my head on straight and stop lying to myself. It might sound cool, but would I really enjoy the jobs I’m looking at? Would it make me happy? Would I be interested in the work? Are the hours/climates/work space what I’m looking for. I think I need to go more basic and find out what kind of job I’d like before I can find out what major I need to get that job. *sigh*

And last but not least, a thought that pops up into my head today. I have the opportunity to go out west, like I always said I would (I’m a big talker, I know). However, I would be far from my family and friends. I would not like this, but! I would be able to visit all the places I’ve wanted to visit my whole life.

So…two years far far away for traveling/schooling dreams? OR stay closer, within a days drive of home? This is a major decision for me. One that could simply be changed by what job/major I decide on. However, if the opportunity is there, what am I going to choose? I would like to think that I can go out west and live by myself, being all strong and smart. I’m worried though that I’ll fall into a slump, that I can’t do it.

I’m not asking you girls what you would do, because I completely expect everyone of you to say, ‘go for it!’. I just don’t know if I can. If I’m a strong enough person. I really wish I was, but what if I put all my eggs in a basket only to find out I’m not.

So yeah……that’s just a very small portion of what stressing me out right now. Enough, I know. Anyway, off to bed. Work tomorrow, and it promises to be a long day. Thanks for listening. Comments welcome.

I bet Gizzy is playing ambush right now.  🙂 I tried to warn them that that is his favorite game.

 

3 Responses to “Thoughts”

  1. wreninblueskies Says:

    Thoughts:

    1. That background is wicked. Is that a paramecium? I must have it.

    2. Yay for Gizzy! He’ll do great.

    3. OMG, I hear you on the difficulty deciding. Have you considered calling a university grad school department or two to ask them for advice? Sometimes you just need a counselor or professor who can hear what you like and give some rec’s.

    4. What was your undergrad major again…? Animal Sciences? Why don’t you want to do that anymore?

    5. Do you have to decide a major for g-school now? Can’t you wait til youve taken the Intro/survey Bio courses and some Botany first?

    6. Hmm can you go for a general degree but then do research in something more specific? Maybe help narrow your college search down by research being done by faculty…?

    7. You will always have the opportunity to go out West. But it will rarely be as convenient, financially justifiable, and incontestable as going to school.

  2. Ashley Says:

    I think you’d be happier going to school closer to home. Unless you have a close friend/family member in whatever western city you choose. Not saying that you couldn’t be badass and move out there by yourself, but grad school is going to be very difficult and trying (and awesome!) and you seem to do better when surrounded by a support group. But then again maybe this would be a good opportunity to see how well you can do on your own? Although that would be a lot of added pressure. My vote may be affected by the fact that I’m going to be in Buffalo for some time and want you close!


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