Looking Ahead

What?!! There's a world beyond college? 
So I've recently been informed. Who'd have thought? This intriguing idea led me to some musings on my own future after college. It's frightening, figuring out what to do with my life. Fortunately, there's somewhere to start: We all want to make a difference in the world.
It's how best to make that difference that's the question.
As for me, I'm fairly sure where to start. I have a passion for biology that survived two semesters of AP Bio and was not even crushed beneath the four-inch-thick textbook. 

comic from xkcd.com

Molecular and cellular biology--the microscopic levels on which miracles occur--are endlessly fascinating to me. Take DNA, my favorite macromolecule.

DNA makes copies of itself. It releases messages and proclamations that send its minions scurrying about the cell to do its bidding. DNA holds the power of life in its coils. Sometimes it sends out military strike teams to crush minor organelle rebellions and restore order. Occasionally, it becomes corrupt, drunk with its own power, and attempts a takeover of the entire organism. And that's where scientists come in. I can just see future-Shannon peering into a microscope, clenching her jaw in grim preparation for battle as she mutters darkly under her breath, "I've got you now, little nucleotide insurrectionist. There's no escape."

Of course, the study of genetics isn't all about vanquishing the revolutionaries. Not at all. But I'm interested in studying genetic diseases for personal reasons. I have several physically disabled loved ones. My little sister, Laura, and my close friend Shea are both afflicted with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which is a neuro-muscular joint problem that prevents proper muscle development. They both manage to do a whole lot more living in wheelchairs than most of us do on two feet, but the situation gives me pause for thought. Apparently I had a close genetic shave with the disease myself. A single wrong chromosome pairing and I'd be right there with them, alternately the life of the party (Laura's a very popular go-cart among small children) and boiling over with frustration at the world's lack of handicap-accessibility. Instead, I'm a mobile biped with a strong interest in biology and excellent wheel-evasion reflexes. And most likely a carrier of SMA, as well. Is it any wonder I'm curious about the double helix?

Laura and Darcy

I had the amazing experience this summer of volunteering as a counselor at a Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp for kids with muscular disorders. At the end of the week, there was a dance. Campers and counselors rocking out together. And even though half of the dancers were in wheelchairs, it was the best dance that I have ever attended. No one wanted it to end. The air vibrated with energy and enthusiasm, every kid full of the sheer joy of living, of moving and dancing in whatever way was left to them.

Like this!

That's what they have to offer, and I learned its value. I want to offer something back to them. To Laura, the best sister I could ask for, who's been my constant friend and playmate throughout the dozen or so moves our family has made around the country. To Shea, my regular plotting buddy, who has more adventures to offer the world than anyone I know. And to Tyler, my camper and friend from MDA camp, who in one short week became like a little brother to me. 

After college, I want to enter the field of genetics as a researcher. There's so much within the cell that we don't know about, so much to learn! 
If there is research to be done, if there are discoveries to be made, if there exists the slightest chance that I can help find cures and change lives, then I hope to pursue it. I can think of no better difference to make in my community, nation, and world.