Northern lakes, eastern butterflies, western mountains, and southern forests: Going where science leads

As a first generation college student, I literally had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Twelve year, six states, and two degrees later, I've realized that a career is less about having the perfect analytical skills, a brilliant brain, and the ultimate dedication -- and more about being brave and taking risks. But it took a lot of self reflection and existential dread to get to this point. Because a career in science or the environment is as much about doing well in school as it is learning to fit into a white-collar world.