The early acceptances are just rolling in now: Vanderbilt, Darthmouth, Purdue, Richmond, Gettysburg. So many have the next four years laid out for them. It is rather disconcerting to think that I will so soon have to decide what to do with my life as well.

"I have always wanted to do this," they say. One wants to be a physical therapist. Another wants to be a neonatologist. Many want to teach. Many more plan on medical school.

I have wanted to do many things as well. When I was little, watching "CHiPS" on television, I wanted to be a police officer.

In seventh grade we went to the Naval Academy for a field trip. Over and over that day, I would tell myself Oh no. You can not fall in love with this. You are not in love with this. Then I spent the next two years in training, both physically and mentally, so that I might be accepted. A lofty goal indeed, for an eigth grader.

When I realized I would not be able to do that, I was lost. What was I to do with my life? I had thought that to serve my country would be the highest honor.

I ended up falling in love with science.

First time I saw an autopsy I repeated to myself those similar thoughts: There are a million reasons why I could never do this for a living! Then I called the school and had my elective class changed from Trig to Honors Bio II.

I still love the work in the histology lab. But I can't do it for a living. I love the people. I love the work. But there must be something else.