I have lived in the world of Science. From the 3am sample times to the grueling lab meetings, I have suffered for Science. During this chapter of my life, I have taught science as a tutor, teaching assistant, and mentor. I have recently begun a new chapter of my life: Chemistry Instructor. Which as it turns out, has little to do with the Science world in which I was so heavily integrated.
I would define Science in Education as what I was doing. The hands on research--cultural emersion within laboratory science. It is why I fell in love with science. Don't get me wrong, it's a love hate relationship. Then again, addictions are usually a love-hate relationship.
Research is addicting.
The one thing I never saw while emerged within that world. I miss it, and I probably will always miss it. I don't miss being an addict.
I've found a new drug: Teaching. Just as many highs and lows-- Just as many long and thankless hours. However, this time, I've embraced something that allows more of my gregarious personality to show. It's a chance to inspire through my passion.
All that said, teaching is missing something crucial to the world of Science. It's missing the cutting edge element of research. It's missing the dire necessity to "succeed or suffer ultimate failure" element that made science so addicting. The distillation of 100 years of careers into one 60 minute power point for a lesson plan is Educational Science. It is its own skill, its own thrill, and its own drug. It just doesn't taste quit like Science.
