Reflecting on My Academic Path and Future Aspirations
As I reminisce about my decision-making during my educational journey, I often wonder how things would have been different if I could go back in time. My original aspiration was to attend Harvard Medical School, but that dream was derailed by my parents. While I did manage to attend the University of Pennsylvania, I believe my life could have taken a significantly different path had I chosen a different major and university.
My Initial Aspirations
My dream was always to enter the prestigious world of Harvard Medical School, where I could obtain the knowledge and skills needed to become a highly regarded doctor. The combination of my high grades, SAT scores, and extracurricular activities made me a strong candidate for acceptance. Unfortunately, my parents' disapproval led to a significant financial responsibility for my education, and the inability to secure student loans made the journey more challenging.
Despite the setback, I persevered and graduated mortgage-free. This experience taught me the importance of financial responsibility and independence in higher education. However, reflecting on my earlier self, I realize that I could have opted for a different path at the University of Pennsylvania.
Alternative Choices
If I had the opportunity to choose again, I would have attended the University of Pennsylvania and majored in business at the Wharton School. This move would have allowed me to gain valuable business acumen and potentially open up different career opportunities. The Wharton School is renowned for its cutting-edge business education and would have provided a solid foundation for my career pursuits.
Other Considerations
Another university that caught my attention was Durham/Teesside, a university I never attended despite its proximity to my home. It's worth noting that while Durham/Teesside prefers to admit students from the southern part of the country, they still bring a significant amount of income into the region. In retrospect, I believe the decision I made to attend the University of Pennsylvania was not in vain. The education and opportunities I received there were more than sufficient to meet my needs and expectations.
As a side note, I considered Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, which was my original passion. However, my parents’ actions deprived me of this dream, changing my major and campus behind my back. Given the chance, I would have followed my initial passion and pursued my studies in veterinary medicine. Looking back, I see the Army as a turning point as it gave me a much-needed backbone to stand up to such situations.
Current Interests and Aspirations
Currently, I am considering a shift in my career path to pursue music and performance. The University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music sounds like a perfect fit, offering a rich environment for developing my musical talents. Additionally, I am also contemplating a shift in focus towards astrophysics and the application of advanced electronics and math, particularly in the realm of genetic engineering.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize the importance of staying true to my passions and not letting external factors dictate my decisions. Graduating without debt and gaining valuable life experiences have contributed to my current success, and I am excited about the future. Whether pursuing a career in business or music, my path has been shaped by a combination of my initial aspirations and the lessons learned along the way.