This is the end of my second week as a student at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, and I have finally had enough time to settle into my surroundings. Reflecting on my first two weeks, I am extremely enthusiastic to see how the rest of my time here pans out. This is a unique opportunity that will allow me to shape the lens through which I view the world. This semester may very well determine my personal idea of conservation and ultimately affect the trajectory of my work for the rest of my life. In some ways it is scary to think about it like, but at the same time it is also a thrilling prospect. It is a profound feeling to be in an environment of like-minded individuals. I am surrounded by others who either have been or are in my shoes. Because of this, making friends has been effortless. Building relationships with others who share your charge is an understandably natural process. That being said, networking with others is something that I often struggle with. Being here provides me with an opportunity to practice professional and personal networking in a safe yet real setting. I hope that through my time here I can improve my ability to make personal connections with others.
In the last two weeks, we have heard stories from a number of professionals about how they reached where they are today. It is refreshing to know that many of them have gone through exactly what I am now experiencing. It is difficult finding your place in the realm of science and conservation, but I am reassured that I am not alone in my confusion. It is encouraging to hear the stories of people who have achieved the things that I one day hope to accomplish and feel as though they know my struggles. I am surround by a community of people who are doing work in the field that I see myself pursuing. Currently my professional aspirations are raw; I know I want to be a scientist and better our understanding of the natural world. However, what precisely that means I will spend my life doing, I do not yet know. This experience is an opportunity for me to narrow my scope of careers by dabbling with a variety of topics and interacting with people in a range of professions. I can already tell that I am going to gain a great deal of knowledge about myself and my goals, but I also hope that along the way I gain the technical experience I need to make those goals a reality. When it comes to the natural world, there is so much I do not know. Even the things that exist within my daily life are often full of mystery. This is an immersive atmosphere where I can learn about the environment through both the field and the classroom. During my time here at SMSC, I anticipate that I will gain valuable professional connections, make memories that will last a lifetime, broaden the horizons of my knowledge, and ultimately increase my sense of direction in life. It is going to be an amazing semester.
