Pivots

Oftentimes we think that our lives are shaped by the big decisions we make. We decide on what college we want to attend, what we want to study as a major, who we want to marry, when to have kids, etc. Those are the decisions that require a lot of thought and prayer. But, have you ever thought that sometimes small, inconsequental decisions can end up shaping your life? I realized that today as I was driving to a doctor's appointment. It actually wasn't a life-altering decision that put me where I am today. It was just deciding to go to the American Public Health Association conference in Chicago when I was attending graduate school. I realized today that everything that is going on in my life can be traced back to those few days I spent at the conference. When I was at APHA, I saw a flyer about potential fellowship opportunities at NIOSH. So, I just went ahead and signed up to meet with my future mentor, thinking I should explore every career opportunity while I was there. I had actually never considered a career in occupational health; I had only vaguely heard of NIOSH in one of my public health classes. I wanted to be an infectious disease epidemiologist and investigate outbreaks in places like Africa.
Well, anyway, one thing led to another and I ended up in WV almost ten years ago, which is hard to believe. I had only planned to stay for one year, but then I ended up meeting my husband, and the rest is, well, history. So, I guess you never know at the time how your decisions will affect your life. I would have probably never heard of the fellowship at NIOSH if I hadn't gone to the conference and would very well be leading a totally different life right now.