Goli 1 Ram Goli Ms.

Gardner English 10H 2 14 February 2014 Road Trip: Beginning a Career Journey When I began this resume assignment, I had a fairly solid idea of what I wanted to do with my life: I wanted to be an astronomer, searching through the heavens and the emptiness, and peering into the distant past. I love to use my telescope and research facts on my own; my current Sonoma County Science Fair project is dealing with methods of estimating the number of stars in the Milky Way. I assumed that if I could have such an interest in the field now, Id have no trouble pursuing it as a career. I had discussed the topic of my future with my parents several times, albeit briefly, and being my parents, they gave me the usual, We support you, Ram, and Do whatever you want to do, as long as it makes you happy. Nevertheless, they occasionally reminded me of some issues in being an astronomer. Job opportunities are slim; according to California Career Zone, there were ZERO astronomy jobs in California, and it projected that there will be ZERO astronomers in California employed by 2018. My parents knew of the slim opportunities, but my devout interest in astronomy disillusioned me for the longest time. As I began doing research, considering ways that I could fund my future lifestyle and thinking of future openings, I began to reevaluate. I decided that astronomy was something that will never leave me, but that can remain as a hobby, and a passion. What other things in life interest me? What are viable career choices that can make me feel accomplished and satisfied? These questions, along with similar ones, have been racing

Goli 2 through my head over the past two weeks. I thought back to significant experiences, and the memories of my brother stuck out. He went through tremendous struggles to eradicate the tumor that once grew on his retina, and repair his ailing vision. I believe that no one else should have to undergo the type of pain and suffering that he, along with my parents and I, went through all those years ago. And so, I began researching vision degeneration, and how it can be avoided. The field fits me perfectly; it is a field in which I can explore new ideas and methods, as well as contribute to the well being of humanity. I discovered remarkable features of vision research along the way. A bulk of the research done in modern times is in using stem cells to customize cell replacement for patients. Although I am too young to be able to work with stem cells, I feel that it is a field that would do nothing but amaze me. I decided to contact Dr. Deepak Lamba, a researcher at the Buck Institute, after discovering what his amazing job entails. He combines stem cell technology with vision degeneration research and finds new approaches to treating patients with personalized stem cells. My first impression was, WOW! This is amazing! His work combines the two things that greatly intrigue and astound me. And, the Buck Institute is conveniently located in Novato, so I took the opportunity to send him an email, asking if it would be possible for me to visit his office one day and ask a few questions about the work he does. He responded with great news, giving me dates to pick from that he is available on. The date has not come yet, but as it approaches, I grow more and more eager and enthusiastic. I hope that the visit provides me with eye-catching information that I can use to start an education and career in the field, a field that speaks volumes to me.