The ‘hows’ and the ‘whys’ of life and the universe are things that fascinate me to my core. They are the questions that leave me lost in thought, hunting for answers. A career in science is definitely the path I would like to tread in the coming years. I love every single aspect of science, and it has dominated my life ever since I first gazed at the stars and considered what was beyond.
A Desire to Write
However, alongside my love for science is a love of books.
Early on, it was through reading other authors’ work that I knew that I also wanted to write. I soon came across journalism, and the prospect of travelling and digging up real stories in our world excited me. The thought of being able to inscribe my own opinion on the front page of a newspaper for everyone to see, and to discover as much as I possibly could through my own lived experiences, caught the attention of my curiosity and imagination.
I then stumbled upon an obstacle in my path: I couldn’t possibly be a scientist and a journalist. How would I ever find the time for both? How could I simultaneously be seeking new understanding in the lab and investigating the latest stories halfway across the world?
Unfortunately, my passion for science outranked my desire to become a journalist. Journalism was not the path for me and I had to accept that – or so I thought.
Discovering Science Journalism
Further down the line, I found myself sitting in an Oxford Scholastica Masterclass.
It was in this Masterclass, one about choosing the right university, course and future career path, that I experienced a moment of déjà vu. As the speaker read out a description of journalism, and what it takes to be a journalist, my passion was reignited. At the end of the session, I discussed my inner conflict with the Activities Coordinators: my desire to both report and be a part of the scientific community. That’s when they suggested science journalism.
Science journalists report on scientific news for the media. Science writers cover fields which are undergoing rapid advances and changes, reporting on exciting and ground-breaking developments: a combination of two interests, merged together so harmoniously. It was the key to being able to travel and write about topics I loved, and still have a place amongst the constant development and sharing of scientific knowledge. It seemed like a very promising way forward for me.
So, for all of those other conflicted young people who are facing what seems like a daunting decision of what they want to do in the future, the lesson here is a simple one. Do your research, ask experienced adults for advice and pursue the things that you genuinely enjoy. If you really can’t decide, because there are so many things you’d like to do, then think outside the box: how can you merge your interests together? Anything is possible and you may surprise yourself by the possibilities you stumble across.
By William Tucker
William is part of the Oxford Scholastica global alumni community. He hopes to pursue a career in science journalism in the future.
