Australia

I'm torn.

As far as zoology goes, I'm going to have to have a focus on one group or another. I've got a great interest in animal venoms, especially in invertebrates, but that blends the line between biology and chemistry, which is something I don't want to do so much. It is interesting, but I don't want to have to be proficient in the chemistry of it all, I wouldn't be serving the purpose I've always envisioned for myself. I've got a passion for whales and would love to chase them around the world's oceans and add what I can to what little is known about how they live, and I've dreamt of spending countless months at sea for quite some time now. I also cannot deny my lifelong attachment to reptiles, especially turtles. The danger so many species of turtles are in of extinction motivates me more than any other group of animals. That is where I most likely see myself going. Me and this kid have a lot in common.

No matter what I decide on, I'm dead set on doing field research. Whether I join a research team or beg for a grant myself, I'm not sitting still. I can't wait until I can just uproot myself and live on a boat chasing migrating sea turtles.

I've taken a deep interest in Australia, as well. A ridiculous number of the animals living in that country are introduced species, and many of them on purpose. They've been tearing up the natural ecosystem there and its a big mess, especially regarding introduced bird species. They push out a lot of the unique native species only found THERE, in Australia, and put them in danger of extinction. It's surprising how little people know of this, especially when you consider that the dingo, an invasive species NOT native to Australia, is considered by many to be a flagship Aussie critter. The place is reptile heaven, too, and that's also one of the reasons I'm in love with the place. I intend to look into projects or research down under concerning the status of invasive species... and will jump at the first chance to go there.

I just don't know. I've got time, of course, to read and look around and taste test as many of these flavors as possible before deciding. My mom wants me to get a degree in something practical and get a job... but I can't even imagine not doing exactly what I want with my life without settling for less at this point.