- A meteorologist
- A veterinarian
- An astronaut
- A police detective
- A prosecutor, then a defense attorney
- A physician's assistant
- A commercial sailor/fisherwoman
- A forensic photographer
- A forensic nurse
- A forensic scientist
- A coroner
- A forensic pathologist
- A legal mediator
- A massage therapist
- A studio violist/viola teacher
- A geologist
- A forensic science technician
- A police officer
- A sociologist
- A mortician
- A phlebotomist
- A florist
- A social worker
- Anything to do with the CDC or WHO
Two things you've probably noticed: 1) these are pretty different and 2) there are a lot of them. I've visited a few of these options multiple times. Some of them were at times when I was really unaware of my limitations, others were because I was too aware of them.
To be honest, I am still not entirely sure what I'd like to do. Right now, I'm in school with a declared major of Social Work, but I worry a lot about how I'd handle the job. Obviously, I'd love to actually help people (which is the main draw of this major), but I am really afraid I wouldn't be able to do the job well because of my mental illness. I try to work on breathing and thought control when I talk to people or when I'm in front of them, but I am not confident I will be able to communicate efficiently.
I have other issues too. Aside from my social interaction problems, I am not very smart when it comes to mathematics or hard sciences. Obviously I love geology, but its sisters; chemistry and physics may as well be gibberish. On the other hand, while I love social science, a big part of social science degrees are careers that require a lot of social interaction.
To make it short, finding a suitable degree or career is pretty impossible for someone like me. Oh, there is also this STINGING need to do something worthwhile/helpful/important. I just HAVE to do something I can wake up everyday and say: "I'm going to make a difference", or I won't stick to it. I absolutely could not go to work doing the same thing every day and getting nowhere. I have to know I'm making a difference. Preferably, I'd like to see the positive impact.
Anyway, currently I am thinking of doing something with the CDC or WHO. I have always wanted to respond to disasters and help where I can. I would like knowing about diseases, world health issues, and prevention. Also, did you know that domestic violence is a health concern? I would like to have a hand in prevention and awareness of that as well.
I'm also thinking about being a forensic science technician again. I have gone away from and come back to this particular profession a million times over. I would just love to be one. I would love to gather evidence at crime scenes! The crime scene is the most pivotal part of serving justice. Getting every scrap of evidence that you can helps to ensure that the right person gets put away and that the recreation of the event is accurate. I love criminal justice classes and I just love learning about that stuff. My issues here are: 1) maggots 2) impact magnitude 3) the profession itself is dying out.
I hate maggots. I cannot explain what they do to me, but I hate them. From my classes and common sense, I know I will come across many of them. I really hope that I can get over that. The impact magnitude refers to the amount of people I'd be able to help doing this. I know that the families of the victims would be appreciative. I know the courts would be appreciative, but I only found/gathered the evidence. I did not test it, use it, or prosecute/defend with it. My role was somewhat unimportant and it only affected a few people. Reason number 3 is the most important reason against choosing this career. Forensic scientists can do this. Police can do this. What state would hire someone only to gather evidence when their other employees can do that and then some?
So...I really don't know. I feel bad not knowing, but that is how it is. The plan as far as next semester goes is to get an associate degree in Criminal Justice. I have a bunch of CJ credits already, so I can just get that and then go into Social Work if I still wanted to. I could get a BS in Community Health. I could get a BS in Criminal Justice. I could get a bachelors and then a masters in almost anything.
At this point, it is all in the air.
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