I intend this post to join two things that have been on my mind, lately. The first is neurogenesis/neuroplasticity. The second, choosing a career/life path.
For neuroplasticity, I have been re-visiting the ABC Radio National Podcast: All in the Mind's 2-part series on the subject during my commute. Click here for Part One and here for Part Two. Some salient quotes: "by thinking and imagining, even by those activities, we can change the structure and function of our brains." -Dr. Norman Doidge
"When you understand how the brain works somewhat better you can use that information to literally enhance your own perspective, broaden your own sense of your capacities and, with that awareness, learn to, as Norman is saying, focus on other things knowing that if you focus on other things consistently you can change what's there. You can change the way that [cortical] real estate is used." - Jeffrey Schwartz
Natasha Mitchell is one of the best interviewers, in my opinion. I have been avidly listening to and recommending this podcast for over a year. She also interviewed Jonah Lehrer, author of Proust was a Neuroscientist. I am currently reading the book and am consistently impressed. He relates George Eliot to neurogenesis, and he writes: "neurogenesis is cellular evidence that we evolved to never stop evolving" (pg. 43). Lehrer synthesizes the arts and sciences (gesamtkunstwerk) admirably and I would recommend his book.
Now, a personal note on how I am still a work in progress (indeed, the second part about "changing my mind"). I have been conducting interviews with architects in order to explore this profession and see if it is a good 'fit' for me. At this point, I can say with some certainty that it is not. I have no regrets about the time I invested in the process of exploration, because (to sound new age-y), I am in a 'place of power,' now as I move on.
I made a pros and cons list, and the latter category was longer. Still my passion for the built environment remains. On the Pros side, I was glad to discover that you "don't really need to be good at math," and that architects are a diverse group. Still, the career ladder did not appeal to me. Also, and perhaps most importantly: though the conversations were extremely convivial, I found the way the conversations resonated with me (on a professional, not personal level) was more negative.
Architecture involves years of 'grunt work,' and architects are often called late bloomers (and most of the ones I interviewed did agree with this characterization). Although I could imagine myself taking this path and being quite happy, I cannot confidently say that it would be a great fit for me.
Alas, an affirmation after such a potentially discouraging finding: I have many other passions and skills that I would love to use in my career path. Also, I am an incurable optimist when it comes to the possibility and omnipotence of change. I am empowered as I am wrapping-up some more interviews with architects with the knowledge that I am truly more of an architecture groupie, than anything. My next places to explore? Musuems, Higher Ed (administration), and Educational Leadership! ...and away I go!
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