Assignment 7 – Dilni Abeyrathne

College—so far away, yet so near. It signifies an important mark in one’s life, one that will demand careful consideration and tactful action. Part of that package is choosing the college itself, choosing the single institution that will define four or more years of advanced learning, one that may seem somewhat like another home. I, however, have yet to decide on which college I would like to attend, a choice made harder by the fact that I don’t have a “dream” college, though I certainly regard some colleges higher than others. Although I lack a dream college, I have firmly (at least for now) decided upon a tentative major that I would like to pursue.

What is that major, you may ask? Well, in simple terms, it is Biology or Environmental Science. Though I haven’t decided on a single, set-in-stone major, these areas define what major I would like to partake in. But why Biology or Environmental Science? Surely there is something much more exciting I could do, like Astronomy? Though sciences like Astronomy and Meteorology certainly capture my interest, I find that my heart compels me to do something of value for this world, something that isn’t entirely for the benefit of myself.

The two aforementioned areas, Biology and Environmental Science, both do something to aid this ailing world of ours, whether it be urging the protection of the environment or actively engaging in measures to ensure the survival of our dear planet. Our beloved planet Earth is dying, whether you believe it or not. Forests destroyed, habitats ruined, animals going extinct—just three of the many problems our world suffers. Contemplate this for a moment: if our planet were to die, permanently, where would we have left? No other planet boasts the life-giving capacities that this blue and green world does. No other planet claims to have spawned more life in a few billion years. Earth is truly unique, and that uniqueness should not go into ruin.

Now that you have heard, or rather read, my extensive rant, I assume that the “why” of my choice for a major is clear. I desire to aid this beloved planet, to show it the compassion that is often forgotten in this era of technology and innovation.

I once dreamt of becoming a writer, an artist, a professor, but all of those dreams have slipped past my fingertips. Those dreams were for myself, for my enjoyment, and for my gain. What of what really matters? My heart and mind refuse to let me live swaddled in my own wants.

My desires are insignificant against that of one whose survival decrees the fate of the millions of souls residing on its precious soil.