It's time to bring this blog back now that I am, yet again, starting a new adventure in my life. When I started this blog initially, I was leaving my cubicle office job that sucked the life out of me to go play in the deserts of NV for a year. That was an amazing experience and I am so glad I took advantage of it. Once it ended, I did have a little difficulty finding a job - especially the elusive "job that doesn't feel like work." I've heard rumors about it but am not sure I'm convinced of its existence, yet. I was, after all, searching for paradise. But...have I found it?
Come January 2nd, I'll be living and working in Hawaii for the Pacific Whale Foundation. I'll let that sink in for a minute. (Maybe I need that minute more for me, than you.) I still almost don't believe it. Among other things, I'll be tracking and researching humpback whales! Now, the "job" is actually an unpaid internship, but that doesn't soften the absolute sheer joy I have about it. I've been struggling for YEARS trying to figure out how I can make my passion a reality. It may seem pretty cut and dry to you, but it's a lot harder than you'd imagine. How does a woman with an incredible love for the ocean and everything that lives in it get a job trying to save it without any kind of science/biology degree? How does a woman with a degree in Communication & Journalism and no experience to back it up (7 years out of college) get her foot in the door to the wonderful world of marine conservation? GIS!
GIS is my answer. Last year, I applied (rather suddenly I'll admit) to the GIS Certificate Program at the University of West Florida. It was a year-long program to obtain a Certificate in GIS. What is GIS? Geographic Information System. GIS uses programs and software to visualize, analyze, interpret and understand data to show relationships and patterns. I honestly had never heard of it before I knew I needed to get into an industry where I belonged. After searching for jobs out of my reach, jobs that I knew I wanted but couldn't get with my background, I saw a trend. A requirement that kept appearing was "certified in GIS" or "strong knowledge of GIS" and my FAVORITE "strong knowledge of GIS is acceptable in replace of Biology degree." It all made sense. I even had an education grant from my year-long adventure in Nevada from AmeriCorp that would pay for it. I applied, I got accepted, I spent the year studying and learning and..
Two days ago I finished my last final for my last class of my Certificate in GIS. And in less than a month, I'll be landing in Hawaii to finally, step into that door to the wonderful world of marine conservation.
So I ask myself again, have I found it? I just might have. We'll have to wait and see to be sure. Stay tuned..
