On Decisions.
Thank you to reader Ashley, who sent me this email earlier today - her question is one that I feel might help those students who take an academic interest in left and right brain studies (although that whole thing is up for debate!), so I’m posting my response here for anyone who might stumble upon it. In an effort not to sound like too much of a commencement speaker, and at the advice of my own mentor Marian, I posed some important questions that might help on the journey.
Note: I’ve been asking practicing attorneys, bioethicists, and surgeons for advice as I prepare for law school, too. Everyone has been kind enough to tell me their story, or offer their word. If you leave here with one takeaway, let it be this - never stop asking.
Good luck!
-Amanda
xxx
Dear Ms. Serfozo,
My name is Ashley, and I’m currently a rising high school senior. I don’t know if I want to major in neuroscience or journalism. I enjoy neuroscience, especially in its aspects of behavioral study, however, I love journalism as well because I thoroughly enjoy writing and covering events.
I know we haven’t met and you’re probably very busy, but I’m asking you this question because, from what I’ve read (esp. from your blog), you seem to have gotten a foot wet in each subject of neuroscience and journalism. I feel that your opinion would have an exceptionally high value to me.
So, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d really appreciate if you could get back to me. If not, I at least appreciate you taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely,
Ashley
_____________________
Dear Ms. Ashley,
Thank you so much for your kind message! I am absolutely humbled that you’re reading my little corner of the internet — thank you!
I know what you mean about being interested in both neuroscience and journalism, or rather, the sciences and the arts. For me, my interests are all across the board; I was actually headed to the Savannah College of Art and Design (if you can believe it) for photography in high school, changed my mind on graduation day (yes, really!), and attended Emory after lots of soul-searching. It still remains the best decision I’ve ever made.
Where are you from? And have you been looking at any particular schools?
Your message reminds me so much of myself — I remember e-mailing an editor of a magazine in high school, asking “what does it take to work for your publication?”, but never received a response. Eventually, I called them every day for months on end asking for an internship (at sixteen). They finally agreed! It was the first time the magazine ever allowed someone that young to be roaming the halls of their office and coincidentally, the first time I realized that you might just have to shove your way into your dreams.
Just last summer, I was thinking how I could smash all my interests together; psychologist, editor, surgeon. Should I dabble in editorials? Where could I write about them all? Would that be a deep enough experience to satiate my curiosity? Could I withstand long hours in an operating room? Did I want to take the MCAT or the LSAT?
My suggestion to you would be to ask yourself some questions, and take it a step further — write. You write so eloquently, and I would strongly urge you to journal, blog, Post-It note, whiteboard, whatever it takes, to get your thoughts out there! For writers like us, that moment of clarity comes from getting it down in ink.
My questions to you are —
* Are you ready to prepare? Both journalism and neurology classes are extremely demanding; you’ll stay up long hours (I have a horrible habit of going to sleep at 3 a.m. most nights; don’t do that!) to meet deadlines, cram notes, or draw diagrams. Dedication, sweat, and coming back from defeat are key.
* Have you considered which programs you might be interested in? One of the most important aspects of choosing a school like Emory was its incredible array of options, both in my major, my minor, and in extracurriculars. This summer before senior year is crucial! Research where you’ll have an intellectual ‘buffet’, somewhere that just stimulates your curiosity every day.
* Which region of the country would you like to be in? Each coast has great institutions. Ivy Leagues, Top 20, even third tier schools can give you the edge you need if you make the most of your time there. So many people say that where you get your degree is all that matters, and snooty people will say that only going to Harvard or Yale will get you X job. Don’t let them! You’re one of very few people I’ve met who are interested in both spectrums of journalism and neurology. Craft it your way. Get as creative or utilitarian as you’d like. Consider where the best hospitals, or newspapers are headquartered, and see if you can align yourself there to volunteer or intern in college.
* Have you thought about studying both areas, instead of choosing just one? A place like Emory would be a great option for you; it’s got a journalism minor where we work closely with CNN anchors and seasoned news professionals, a behavioral neurology program, where we team up with some of the world’s best surgeons, as well as a host of researchers, writers, and artists. Not to mention, after classes are over, a ton of exciting clubs and organizations! I work for TEDxEmory, where we just put on the first ever TED event. We invited surgeons, entrepreneurs, journalists, neurofinanciers, etc. Remember: you don’t always have to study both, but you can experience all the trappings of each field outside the lecture hall. This includes internship programs, where you can dabble in both professions and be amazed by the power of each.
* Think about the long term, even though you have plenty of time to explore. You might end up loving Portuguese, or meteorology (two classes I’m taking this fall!) If you’re thinking about post-graduation, look at journalism schools and medical schools. If you choose a “J-School”, look for classes where you can focus on the medical beat. If you choose neurology, look for a creative outlet where you can write, like a community newspaper or online blog like The Examiner. Never think you’re locked into one option!
You just might be the most interesting rising senior I’ve ever met :) I hope you take lots of time to think about these questions — I’m in the process of applying to law schools where I can get a J.D. in law, asking lawyers and mentors here in Washington what their advice is for a rising senior (ha!) like me. I hope to either specialize in international intellectual property, dispute resolution, or neurolaw. This is a very new field, and I was intrigued by the Terry Schiavo legal counsel, who visited Emory last year. The notion that your brain is a piece of evidence, or that research yet undiscovered can play a role in our legal system is truly fascinating to me. I know you feel the same way; we need journalists who study trends in tech, medicine, and neurology to ‘break down’ the lingo, to educate readers.
Your pursuits are noble, and I wish you all the best!
I’d love to keep in touch during your college admissions process and beyond. I wish I had someone older and wiser around when I wrote all those essays and felt nervous. Please don’t hesitate to email me whenever you’d like, or to ask me any kind of crazy off-the-wall questions
:)
Talk to you soon,
Amanda
