Passion = Hypocracy?

[greatmib]

It's Saturday and I sit working in lab (or taking a break currently). Despite the fact that it's the weekend, I don't mind being here because for the first time in a long time I feel like I'm actually part of a lab. Up until now I have always been "the undergrad", which in essence was true but out of 3 labs I have worked in until this one in 2 of

Comments

[juhi]

It exicites me. Whatever I may think of Philly, I genuinly enjoy my work here. Could I have found my calling? But how can I one day attend grad school here without helping those around me when the grad school stands in the middle of the West Philly ghetto? Can I live with myself? And more importantly, did my origianal motivation to help those around me come from the desire to help or guilt that I have always known that I was blessed with more? Kind of a scary thought...

If it excited you, then do it. Don't repeat my mistake of playing the I'll-wait game. Because you won't wait. Life will move on, and things will get harder, and your passion will turn into bitterness at yourself for being a fool. You can always volunteer with local groups (I volunteered at San Quentin). Helping society doesn't have to be a full-time job. Your research will help us too, someday. You can't guilt-trip yourself every time you see someone who has potential but can't fulfil. Not everyone gets to be an astronaut when they grow up. 8 billion people on the planet means that most of the smart ones aren't doing what they could be doing.

You have the potential to make a difference, and the brains to make the right choice. Follow your heart, it will make the right choice for you. I should have listened to my heart, not my brain.

[greatmib]

Thanks sweetie. I guess I still have 6 months to figure out what to do. Teach for America apps are due in mid February. If I don't apply by then, I will certainly be applying to grad school that fall. I guess we'll see how I feel after Denmark.

[shaydlip]

Seriously Marina... she's right. There are programs out there for grad students/phd's to go out and teach at underprivileged schools, even if only for 1 day or so.
Worse comes to worse... cut a check. Seriously. You're smart enoguh to make a lot of money at what you do, and become a philanthropist. It's not as romantic as going out and doing it yourself, but that's what non-profits out there are for.
Not to mention the research you will do will help people exponentially; if you make a discovery in terms of understanding the stomach you might save lives. (I don't actually know what you do and if that's possible, I've just been watching too much Grey's Anatomy).
But if you feel like you need to go out in the world and help people.... the time would be now. You will be even less likely once you get your PhD to do this. It's even more important then to strike while the iron is hot and poeple know who you are to get grants and professorships and such.

I am so not making legible sentences but you know what I'm saying. No more getting drunk downtown san jose and making out with a random guy...

[greatmib]

thanks for all your advice. you actually put my dilema very well...i just gotta sit down and process everything. probably after denmark i will have to have a serious chat with myself.

now pick up the phone and call me so u can tell me all about the random guy!!! call me, biatch!