The plight of 2020 has shaken our lives as we knew them, and understanding and adapting to our current situation is certainly no easy task. The burden of figuring out the rest of your life as a young adult was seemingly not hard enough on its own. Searching for guidance myself, I turned to my primary source of on-campus wisdom and experience: Northeastern’s science professors. Turns out, you can learn just as much beyond the classroom as you might from a lecture.
Love What You Learn, Learn What You Love
Almost every professor I spoke with emphasized the importance of pursuing your passions more than anything else. Jude Mathews, a professor of organic chemistry, finds it essential “to find something you enjoy in life and pursue it” and to “push for something you’re passionate about.” Mathews herself did not graduate with the intention of being a professor, yet she claims that teaching is the one job where she truly enjoys waking up to go to work every day. Similarly, Louise Skinnari, a physics professor, believes that by doing something you are interested in and excited about, you are setting yourself up for success.
Meredith Sweeney, an instructor for Biology Project Lab, wants students to know that there comes a point in your life when grades don’t matter as much in hopes that this advice may take some of the stress off and place the focus on learning instead. Biology professor Aaron Roth advises students to not necessarily worry about what their future career may be but, instead, follow what they enjoy learning and keep in mind that their career will take shape.
Surpassing the Sciences
A common theme presented by science professors was, ironically, the significance of subjects beyond science. Sweeney’s one regret was that she didn’t further explore other subject areas and careers and wishes she had. Mathews advocates for STEM students to explore different areas of science, be open to new ideas, and take courses in non-science areas as she believes it will make you an overall better scientist. Despite being a biology major, one of Roth’s favorite classes in college was 20th Century American Poetry. Skinnari suggests that all students, regardless of their specialty, picks up a bit of programming; she guarantees that it will be useful for almost anyone.
Mark Patterson, a marine and environmental sciences professor, might have known that he was meant for an aquatic career at age six, but he especially wants students to know that it’s essential to try new things. There should be no pressure in finding the “perfect” discipline to get locked into; many individuals have latent skills that they aren’t aware of before they try something new.
“Take your opportunities, even if you’re afraid that you can’t, you’ll be surprised and there are people that want to see you succeed.” — Aaron Roth, Professor of Biology
“Take your opportunities, even if you’re afraid that you can’t, you’ll be surprised and there are people that want to see you succeed.” — Aaron Roth, Professor of Biology
Patience Is A Virtue
For new students and all those still searching for their passions, you may find it helpful to hear that Mathews confided that she never liked general chemistry when she took it. Likewise, Roth disliked introductory biology enough to actually change his intended career path from pre-med.
Even if you find what you are looking for, the road forward may be bumpy. Patterson did mention that it may take a few months, a year, even a decade before you truly hit a stride. But, if you find something that really hooks you and draws you back repeatedly, do not let failure discourage you when initially trying something.
But, if you find something that really hooks you and draws you back repeatedly, do not let failure discourage you when initially trying something.
Think It Over, Trust Your Gut
As you move forward through the years, many of you may have to make some big decisions. Both Patterson and Skinnari encourage students to follow their gut reactions. Although, that does not mean you should completely disregard the value of thinking over an important decision. Patterson believes you should sleep on big decisions, perhaps make a pros and cons list, then forget any potential over-analysis and trust your instincts. Skinnari wishes that she herself did not spend as much time in her past being overwhelmed by the possibility of making the wrong decision. Rather, she points out that, if you truly cannot come to a consensus, you most likely have good options all around.
A Letter for the Ladies
Being a graduate student in a time when it was not common for women to do so, especially in STEM, Professor Mathews encountered a lot of hostility from her peers. Based on her experiences, Mathews has a message for women looking to pursue careers in male-dominated industries: “Stand your ground…Don’t let anybody mistreat you, don’t let them use you, but just go for it because what you’re doing will help other women in the future.” She hopes she can continue to see a change in STEM-related fields.
“Making a career in science is challenging enough, you should never have to expend energy trying to avoid harassment.” — Gail Begley, Professor of Biology
“Making a career in science is challenging enough, you should never have to expend energy trying to avoid harassment.” — Gail Begley, Professor of Biology
20 Thoughts about 2020
This year has been tumultuous for us all and many professors share your grievances. Here is a positive spin on dealing with 2020.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from the circumstances of 2020?
“Adaptability is a really important skill. Being able to pivot and adjust as circumstances change is critical to mental well-being and productivity.” — Jennifer Bowen, Professor of Marine & Environmental Sciences
“We all need to work harder at being kind to one another and really listening to understand other perspectives” — Mary-Susan Potts-Santone, Professor of Biology
“People given the correct information and told the truth about motivations will do the right thing” — Aaron Roth, Professor of Biology
“Treat the person with the least power as if they have the greatest power” — Mark Patterson, Professor of Marine & Environmental Sciences
“It’s just kind of the reminder that society does move through these things, that they are temporary, and that we can get back to normalcy in time.” — Meredith Sweeny on the parallels between World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic
“It’s just kind of the reminder that society does move through these things, that they are temporary, and that we can get back to normalcy in time.” — Meredith Sweeny on the parallels between World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic
When considering how the on-going pandemic influenced our perception of science, a few professors presented an interesting dichotomy of thought. Potts-Santone felt “we need to improve science education across the country so that people understand, value, and trust the evidence and ideas from scientific experts over those of politicians and even the media.” Meanwhile, Sweeney came to realize “how important science is and also how imperfect it is at the same time.” Science does not present us with instantaneous cures or perfect tests, but instead, the government, media, producers, and everyday citizens need to collaborate to get through this tough time. Roth upholds that the dynamic nature of science is the exact reason why you can trust scientists as opposed to those who are stubborn in their beliefs.
Lastly, all professors felt as if 2020 emphasized what was truly important for them — whether that be to value time with family, to be civically engaged, or to take that long-deserved vacation — this past year has brought forth much reflection on and appreciation for the finer things in life. Of course, in hindsight, a lot more is easier said than done.
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