When you were a young kid, how many times were you asked what you wanted to be when you grew up? I'm sure most of you answered with practical professions like a teacher, chef, police officer, and firefighter, while others said the president or a celebrity. Now, it's probably safe to assume that your answer changed every few years until you were an adult and finally had to hone in on a career path. For those reading this who know me personally, you all know my answer to that question has been the same since at least junior high.
I've been interested in forensic science and investigations for as long as I can remember. I watched all the crime shows; CSI, Criminal Minds, Law and Order: SVU, and Dr. G: Medical Examiner. You name it, I probably watched at least an episode or two. The first person I knew who worked in that field was a relative of mine. She worked out of a lab near Washington DC that aided in identifying the remains of fallen soldiers. I would watch true crime documentaries and check out books from the library on serial killers. I even went to a Forensic Science camp the summer before my junior year. I also set a goal of eventually becoming an agent with the FBI. To say I was obsessed with this field would be an understatement.
When it came time to apply for colleges, I only looked at schools with good forensic science programs. However, by this time, I had taken the creative writing class offered by my high school and was on the school newspaper staff. I had developed a love for writing that I knew wouldn't be going away anytime soon. I then decided that if a degree in forensic science didn't work out, I would fall back on journalism.
Well, fast forward to the end of my first semester at college. The forensic biology program I was in was way too chemistry based for me, and I realized that I didn't want to spend my life in a lab. So, at the end of the semester, I decided to change my major. But did I switch to journalism as I planned? Nope. I changed to a major in psychology with a minor in criminal behavior, so I could start working toward a career as a forensic psychologist. By doing that, I would be able to stay on my path toward a career in forensics.
Now, fast forward to the start of my junior year. I realized this new career path required further education, so I looked into graduate programs. My research showed that if I wanted to pursue this, I would have to move far away from home or enroll in an online program. I had no interest in doing that, so I again changed directions. I found an accelerated Master's program in Forensic Investigations close to home that would put me on track for a career out in the field conducting investigations. I learned a lot from that program and felt prepared for whatever job I landed after graduation.
The first job I got was as a Children's Protective Services investigator. Talk about a tough job. I lasted there for about a year and a half before I stumbled on my current position with the medical examiner's office. Applying for this job was a no-brainer because I finally found a job in forensic investigations. My heart was happy, and so were all my friends and family.
Then, last summer, I started to miss writing. All the years of research papers and reports put writing for fun on the back burner, so I decided to pick up my laptop and start this blog. Once I started posting, I felt all that love and passion for writing come rushing back. I became excited about coming up with new topics to write about and discuss. I started getting comments and messages from family and friends about how much they liked or related to my posts. It made me so happy and pushed me to keep going.
However, as time went on, I started to think. How would my life have been different if I hadn't dug myself into the forensic science hole and gone with my original Plan B of a career in writing? My love for writing got pushed aside due to the need to continue with my interest in forensics, which eventually became my entire personality. I felt like my identity was forensic science, and I couldn't dare to walk away from that. But remember that relative I mentioned earlier? She ended up leaving that job, went back to school, and I believe she got a degree in interior design. It got me thinking that if she could do that, why couldn't I? I then started to worry that if I strayed off this path I was on for so many years, I would ultimately let all my friends and family down. I am a natural people pleaser, so that thought alone is enough to keep me where I am.
I also started thinking of how my day-to-day life would be different. If I became a freelance writer, I would be able to write about topics that interested me, I could work from wherever I wanted, and I could make my schedule. That would mean no more working nights, weekends, or holidays. And, like forensic science, there is always a need for someone to write about something. Plus, this would be a job that brought me joy that wasn't at the expense of someone losing a loved one.
Before anyone panics, I do not plan on leaving my current job anytime soon. I love what I do, and I plan on staying in this field as long as it will have me. I just wanted to give everyone a glimpse at what goes through my mind regularly. Will I ever switch to a career in writing? It is highly unlikely, but I love the belief that anything is possible. Likewise, if you feel that you also dug yourself into a career hole, you are not alone. It happens to the best of us. So, to my family and friends, don't fret. I am now and will remain a death investigator, stay in the field of forensic science, and writing will stay a beloved hobby.
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