My 7th grade science teacher once told my class, “If you truly want to make an impact in the world, make car engines more efficient.” As a 12-year-old hearing this, I wanted to make a difference in the world; what kid doesn’t? This quote has stuck with me throughout the years and has given me continual inspiration. It is important when doing research—or anything tough in life—to have inspiration, because finding and holding onto this inspiration gives you passion and determination. Both of these are needed to overcome momentous challenges.
Research in many ways is a momentous challenge. There will be days when the data isn’t revealing the results you want, or the monotony of doing accurate and precise experiments sets in, not to mention that you’re trying to tackle a problem that has never been solved before. But on the toughest of days it will be the inspiration you hold onto that will carry you through. And it will remind you why all the hard work is worth it.
If you’re just starting out and haven’t quite found your inspiration, that’s okay, but don’t wait for it to find you; go out and search for it. One of my favorite quotes is by Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who come alive.”