It took a while to accept this fact. Finding an identity within one's academic field of study means running a gauntlet of required courses, exploring subfields, ignoring distraction, and owning material in a meaningful fashion. There have been days when I want to embrace the cynic in me and relish in the words of Eistein, "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." That would be too easy and a gross simplification of what he meant and its implications. Yet, I look back and realize that what I value most isn't found in the objectives of syllabi or degree descriptions. What have been the most influential elements of my education have been supplemental readings found in bibliographies, the subtle nudge from managers and professors, and the endless options found in the library stacks and journal collections.
It took a second attempt at college, three years of scientific studies, and a plethora of mistakes to finally get to the point of accepting that fact. And now that I am here it is rewarding. I feel privileged to not only remain passionate but have more questions and enough knowledge to be dangerous. This blog is a product of that journey; it is an attempt to embrace my curiosity and engage the information at my disposal (the amount is a little intimidating I must admit). While I wrap up my last year of courses I hope to synthesize the knowledge I have gained with analysis of the material I am still encountering. While most of that will focus on conservation biology and environmental history I won't deny myself from straying into the related fields like evolution.
One week at a time.
