The Librarian, The Construction Worker, & The Vet by Alexis

The Librarian, The Construction Worker, & The Vet by Alexis - June 2017 Scholarship Essay

When I was little, I wanted to grow up to become a librarian—not the typical choice among youngsters, but I was drawn to the reading glasses that the kind lady behind the check-out counter wore. As my interests shifted, I gravitated towards becoming a construction worker, yellow hard-hat and all. Then I dreamt of working as a veterinarian, simply because animals seemed cute. However, something I’ve noticed is that although people naturally grow and mature, they don’t always deviate too far from the underlying interests and values that shaped their childhood dreams.

The Librarian: I’m a bookworm at heart. Whenever I get the chance, I bury myself in research and literature. In my free time, you can find me browsing research proposals and alphabetized lists of brain disorders on the National Institute of Health’s website. From a 6-year-old’s perspective, being a librarian simply demonstrates a love for books, but the role definitely includes much more. Access to many resources and educational opportunities has fostered my inner librarian and enabled my reading, writing, and research skills to blossom. With an interest in neuroscience, I know I’m going to need these librarian-type skills throughout my post-secondary education.

The Construction Worker: Construction entails solving puzzles and being innovative in developing architectural structures. Similar in nature to these skilled laborers, the jigsaws, crosswords, and logic-grids from youth gave direction to the creative artistic styles I inhibit today. These are the building blocks and foundation to my future endeavors. For example, furthering any type of research inquiry would require an analytical mindset comparable to that of a construction worker. The research and development process would entail (1) Blueprinting: developing a comprehensive proposal (2) Constructing: continuing research based on established foundations, (3) Delivery of product: sharing your findings with others.

The Veterinarian: Due to past experiences, all visions of becoming a veterinarian have diminished. I’ve been jumped on by dogs, scratched by bunnies, and chased by squirrels—all of which have contributed to the slight discomfort I have around animals. While I’ve discovered that handling furry creatures is not for me, the veterinarian inside continues to prevail. Observations, evaluations, and providing personal care would be accentuated in my neuroscience/psychology studies. Through the opportunities I’ve been given to help mentor and comfort my peers, I’ve learned of my desire to provide aid and support people who experience challenges —whether it is from illness or physical/emotional obstacles.

You may not find me standing behind a check-out desk, nor wearing a yellow hard-hat (yellow isn’t my color, anyway), nor handling four-legged animals, but I will make my 6-year-old self proud by personifying my dream jobs in a metaphorical sense. I guess my interests haven’t really evolved that much.