I want to know why there are so many species in certain parts of the world, why animals and plants are distributed where they are, and why they look, behave, and sound the way they do. Personally, I'd like to get a good night's sleep. But seriously, I have dreams that one day a person's gender, sexual orientation, or skin color will not be an issue. As a woman, mother, wife, and scientist, I work hard to see that dream become a reality. I would tell them to try to visit as many places as possible to see what scientists do, to figure out if this is indeed what they are interested in.
Nothing is better inspiration than talking to people and hands-on experience.
Plan out the small steps that will build on each other to make that vision a reality. It's not easy, but I think that integrating career and personal goals will make people more peaceful and productive in the long run. The Field Museum. All Rights Reserved.