Professional Info

Scientists use a curriculum vitae (CV) to keep track of their jobs instead of a resume.  Curriculum vitae is Latin for “life education” and I believe that this habit of using a CV imparts the idea that all of life is educational.  Students that talk to me about career stuff often see their path forward as a linear walkway, one stepping stone after another.  But nearly all of the professionals I know have paths that look more like branches than a walkway.

My path was certainly not linear.  I arrived on campus as an undergrad thinking that I’d be a doctor because I loved biology.  But I quickly understood that doctors have to interact with actual sick people, and I really abhor illness.  I decided to study education alongside my biology major and fulfill the requirements for a teaching license.  But I couldn’t find my niche there either.  Eventually I found that I love teaching college students, this is a population of humans right on the brink of becoming themselves and it is so fun to be a part of their journey. 

I always figured I’d found my only and last job when I started teaching at Boston University.  I truly love my work and feel excited and energized and passionate as much of the time as can be expected.  But as an introvert, I sometimes find teaching to be depleting because of all the time in front of people.  When I took the call from Cengage and began my work as an author, I found my other soulmate.  Writing allows me to teach from the quiet of my home, and allows me to explore my creativity in ways I never imagined. I am so glad that I was open to exploring new territory.  Now I have two favorite jobs, truly the passions of my life.

 I think the keys to finding a career you love are to be open-minded, try lots of things, and be truly reflective about each experience (what you enjoyed, what you didn’t, how your body and spirit reacted to the work).