I’ve really enjoyed all the faculty talks this summer. I received amazing advice and insights into the world of science and was exposed to some of the most novel research ideas I’ve ever heard! I particularly enjoyed Dr. Steve Nowicki’s talk, and here’s why.
I felt as though I related to him the most. He entered college, thinking he’d become a professional musician. Similarly to him, during highschool, I was on my way to becoming a professional figure skater. I loved traveling around the world to perform in the most beautiful places, like hiking high up into the Alps in France to skate on the frozen lakes! And it was for this reason that I was almost not even going to attend college. I had to make a decision: my education or my artform. Ultimately, my parents and I decided that an education was much more important and so, I sacrificed my skating career. Ever since I began college, I’ve missed skating so much and I’ve been afraid that I’d never be able to find something I’d love just as much, that is until Steve Nowicki’s talk.
I found so much inspiration in his story and how he was able to combine his passion for nature and music by studying the songs of birds. It gave me hope that, even though I have not found my special research combination of nature and ice dancing, there is still something like that out there for me to discover. And that’s what Dr. Nowicki made me realize about research, that’s what research can do, and that’s why I love it so much: It gives you the creative space to draw connections between seemingly unconnected disciplines and to appreciate and learn more about the natural world as you do. It’s an artform in and of itself.
Thank you Dr.Nowicki for sharing your story, it’s done so much more for me than you’d ever think!
That is so exciting! I am so glad that Dr. Nowicki’s talk was able to help you feel less limited with your options!