How I Learned the Value of Studying All the Sciences

I found myself fascinated by science from the time I was in my early teens. I loved physics and found myself working in auto mechanics. This was in the mid-1970s and too early for the technologies that are available today. I stopped working as a mechanic and began concentrating on work in electronics. I went back to college in the early 1980s to complete a general degree in Engineering. Even then, I was not sure of exactly what I wanted to do so I studied a full range of scientific subjects.

Forensic science was only just beginning. Had it been more developed at the time I would most likely have chosen that career path. I did well in almost all of my courses and did graduate on the Dean's List. Unfortunately, the one area I did not get a solid grasp on was chemistry. It also seemed relatively unimportant to me at the time. For many years, I worked in audio equipment repair. As time passed, and audio equipment became disposable, I changed my direction again.

I began to concentrate on work in the electrical field. I had the opportunity to work with both laser and x-ray technology. While I enjoyed both, I was drawn more to, electrical work and finally decided to take a leap and become an electrician. My education and experience served me well and I enjoyed my field for many years. I even had the opportunity to give lectures at local schools at career day events. After seven years in the construction industry, I realized that I had begun this career choice too late. The heavy physical work was beginning to take its toll.

I decided to return to work as a technician, somewhere inside, out of the rain and snow. It was finally at this point that chemistry reached out and got my attention. I became involved in the chemical process of manufacturing explosives. I became fascinated with the work I was doing. Yes, it could have been extremely dangerous if any step of the process was done incorrectly. I was fortunate enough to have an excellent mentor, one who made sure that safety always came first. I did eventually leave the company but the experiences I had were greatly enriching.

I now work as a freelance writer between regular jobs. I write about science and technology, as well as home repair and auto mechanics. I find writing articles about chemistry subjects to be some of the most interesting to me. Why? Simply because I have to do more research to ensure that the articles I write are factual and can be understood by the average reader. The process of writing the articles has taught me a great deal about the subject and I am no longer uncomfortable with it.

For anyone starting out in a scientific career, I would recommend getting a well-rounded education. While any one subject may seem unimportant at one exact point in time, it could end up being the one subject that provides the most growth in your future.