At our coordinator meeting this week, we did a reflection activity on this TED talk - a fascinating look at multipontialites and embracing all of the things that drive you. During our reflection, we talked about what passions we had or what things we wanted to accomplish in life that were unrelated to our majors or intended career paths. We each came up with a number of items, as I am sure that you could create your own list as well.
We talked about whether or not these hobbies or pet projects were useful to us, even if they have nothing to do with what we are studying or "what we want to be when we grow up." This got me thinking about an article I read on PADI's website earlier this week. You see, one of my goals is to become a SCUBA Divemaster. This has nothing to do with my majors, minors, or intended career. I love entering the incredible underwater world that waits just under the surface and learning the technical information that protects me and allows me to breathe while I am there. It is one of my favorite ways to relax - while I am diving, I am completely absorbed in enjoying the moment and taking in the experience. I could go on for a while, but I will spare you and just get to the point. I will probably never use my technical knowledge of enriched air gas blends or proper buoyancy control techniques in my academic programs or my chosen career path. However, as that PADI article points out, there are a lot of principles that can apply to life in general.
I know the importance of preparation in new situations. Without a plan and proper research, a dive at an unfamiliar dive site could be dangerous or even life-threatening. Similarly, in life, it is usually better to make decisions after weighing all of the options and "doing your homework."
I know that I can't do it alone. Always dive with a buddy. You have each other's back the whole time. Trying to dive alone almost always has disastrous consequences. Having people that are there to support you in any endeavor helps to keep you going in the right direction and focused on what is important.
I know that "the impossible" is usually just a matter of perspective. Humans aren't supposed to breathe underwater. But, everyday, people strap on SCUBA gear and brave the depths anyway. All it takes is determination and finding the right tools to help you get the job done. Change the way you look at the problem, and the "impossible" very well could be accomplished.
Again, I could probably go on for a while, but I will start wrapping up. My point is that whatever you are passionate about, go do it. Emilie Wapnick, from the TED talk I mentioned in the beginning, said this, "It is rarely a waste of time to pursue something you're drawn to," and I agree with her. Whether or not it is "relevant" experience, if it is something you love, it is going to enrich your life. "We should all be designing lives and careers that are aligned with how we're wired." If you want to specialize, then go hard after that specialty. Become an expert, and change the world with what you learn. And if you are drawn in a million different directions by all of the things that inspire you, don't be afraid to try them all. You can change the world with your unique perspective, too.
The bottom line is that each of us is wired in a different and beautiful way, but somewhere along the road, culture convinced us that fitting into a mold was better. Don't let them fool you. Be unapologetically passionate about what excites you, and use what you find to make the world a better place.
