When I Grow Up: Careers in Bio-medical Engineering

I'm often asked, "So, what exactly can you do with that degree?" In all honestly, I don't have a damn clue. Half of the time I can't even explain what classes are in the curriculum. With me being a senior (sort-of), I should have some idea of what I am going to do when I get out of this cesspool the rest of the world calls college. Here are my top ideas.

1. Forensic Scientist/Anthropologist
This career choice is highly influenced by the hit television series Bones. I do realize that I should have a degree in anthropology to seriously pursue this, but chances are, I'll get bored with it like I do everything else.

2. Policewoman/FBI Agent
I came to the conclusion that I would like to be a police officer when I was on a trip to Orlando, FL with a friend. We had a little accident leaving Universal Studios, and it took the Orlando Police Department over two hours to respond to the scene, even after 3 or 4 phone calls to the station. Oh, and did I mention that there was a cop across the median at the time of the wreck?! Yeah, that's the kind of job I want. I'm really good at driving fast and eating doughnuts, and if what I see on television and/or Orlando is accurate, I would be a great police officer!

FBI agent just sounds cool.

3. Dolphin Tail Maker
You may laugh reading this, but this could actually be relevant. The movie Dolphin Tales is about a doctor or engineer or something that builds a prosthetic tail for a dolphin. I saw a commercial for this movie tonight and decided this could be a contender for a future profession.

4. SNL Writer
I've watched over 20 years of Saturday Night Live since Christmas, and I think I have developed a satirical wit similar to the writers in the late 90's and early 2000's. And honestly, who wouldn't want to do this job?! No, I may not be a household name or even be seen in front of the camera, but my words could! I could be the mastermind behind a Spartan Cheerleaders equivalent! Who'll be the Spartan in your TV? It's me! It's me!

5. Dentist
Good money, set my own hours, low liability.
Down side--more school.


So, what's probably going to happen is that I'll graduate, move back to Fulton, teach physics or biology at the high school and be a coach of some sort. Television will suck because I won't be writing. Itawamba residents will continue to have poor dental hygiene. Murders will remain unsolved. High school students will continue to spray paint their graduation years on road signs. And a dolphin will swim around in circles because no one will create a prosthetic to replace its injured flipper.

One day I will be forced to make a decision. Until then, I will continue to draw ideas from television characters.

Wreck-less Driving: Ode to the White Cavalier

Being a woman driver in the United States, I am well aware of horrible drivers on the road. On my way home from work today, I was cut off by a white Chevrolet Cavalier. To say the least, I was enraged. This particular experience prompted me to make a list of grievances and suggestions.

1. Know where you're going

If you get behind the wheel, you should have some idea of where your destination is. There are several websites that can assist you in this task: Google Maps, MapQuest, etc. On these websites, you can view a map or get detailed, step-by-step directions. It's whatever you prefer, whatever is easiest for you. Once you know where you're going, please get in the appropriate lane AHEAD OF TIME, so that you can make your turns and arrive safely at your destination.

2. Follow Rules and Regulations

Once you know where you're going, it's your job to get there. However, that doesn't mean you get there by whatever means necessary. The Highway Department has spent many hours developing rules for the road to promote safety for its users. These rules (ex. speed limits) should be followed.

3. Get off of the Phone

Yeah, I'm going to say it. Get off of the phone. Drive. I am not underestimating your ability to multitask, but driving, being in control of a 2,000+ lb moving vehicle, is not the time nor place to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Texting often seems pertinent (ex. you think of something clever and you want to Tweet it). I have often been guilty of breaking this rule, but believe me, it can wait. Just drive.

4. Be Aware of your Turn Signals

Turn signals are used to signal other drivers on the road that you are turning, hence the name. Using them is just as simple as the name! So use them! While we're on the subject, turn those things off after you've turned! The makers of automobiles know how annoying it is to see someone driving for miles with his or her turn signals just-a-blinkin'. They automatically go off after the turn is made. Sometimes this doesn't happen, but there is a click. There are flashing lights. Are you keeping up? An audible and visual signal have been installed to determine when your turn signals are in use. There is no excuse.

Now, I don't expect everyone to drive around like a State Patrol officer is riding passenger side. You can and should have fun while driving that beautiful Cavalier on the streets of Fulton, MS. These are just four simple suggestions to keep you from being talked about on the world-wide web.

Starting Fresh

Well, I woke up this morning in 2004 and decided I would start blogging. I believe I am the ideal "blogger" because I am extremely critical, have a lot of free time, and cannot hold an actual face to face conversation with another human being. With this being said, I'm sure this will be a long lasting internet relationship...

For the thousands (three) out there who are reading this, I thank you. You won't be disappointed with my future posts. I mean, a college kid who works at a small town marina lives a pretty interesting life.