Pursue Your Passion by Rebekah

Pursue Your Passion by Rebekah - May 2014 Scholarship Essay

Several weeks ago, I visited my career coordinator to discuss changing my major from Animal Science to Wildlife. As long as I can remember, Animal Science has been a determined road for me, and I even thoroughly enjoyed my first year in the program. Despite this, something was missing. When I started taking classes to fulfill a Wildlife minor, I realized my passion belonged to this program, yet I was still torn. When I met with my advisor and explained my uncertainty, he told me something I will never forget: “Pursue your passion, and everything else will work out along the way.” Soon after I decided that although Wildlife would present more of a challenge in careers, it was my lifelong passion, and if I worked hard, I could still find jobs while doing what I loved.

I am a highly motivated individual, always desiring to keep my mind engaged and looking for learning opportunities. As I have done more research, my passion for animals has been narrowed to research in endangered species populations in the Midwest and the management practices needed to help these species rebound.

This love for research and Wildlife began in 4th grade, when I entered Wildlife in 4-H, which led to years of field trips, working at nature centers, and eventually teaching younger 4-H members the importance of wildlife conversation. When I came to Purdue University, I joined The Wildlife Society, a club that focuses on hands-on experience and directly works with endangered species at times.

After graduating, I hope to continue to graduate school in Wildlife to work on specific research, continuing to follow my passion and see how everything else works out along the way as I do what I love and help these endangered species. I have discovered through the valuable advice of my advisor that when I am pursuing something I love wholeheartedly, everything becomes more enjoyable, with an end-goal that I will work my hardest to achieve. Though I spent many weeks worrying about switching majors, the advice of “pursue your passion” helped me make the switch and realize where I belong.