hello i'm zal

Hiya! Thank you, that’s so so sweet of you to say! 

So, I started off my college career as a Marine Biologist, and swapped to Plant Sciences around the end of my sophomore year in college, and I did it for one very specific reason: everyone I saw in the Plant Sciences department was a very happy person. I hope this translates over to whatever college you are enrolled at, because it was a breath of fresh air to see relaxed and cheerful people in the major I was thinking of switching to. 

The best way to dip your toes into Plant Science is to take a class! I started out taking a Plant Propagation class at my university, and it was wicked fun. I’d suggest looking at the courses your university offers and trying one or two out to see how you like them. That way, if you decide “Hey, this really isn’t for me,” you’ve only spent a semester with one class, and you know for certain that it isn’t your cup of tea. And, if it turns out it really sings to you, you’ll know that, too! It will also open up a dialogue between you and a professor within that department, who can answer questions and even help set you up with a job after college.

I would say that there is a fair amount of jobs currently within Plant Science. There’s always research opportunities (some of which you may be able to acquire through your university by simply asking a professor in that department), and with the influx of legalized marijuana these days, there’s a lot of places looking for experienced professionals. There will always be grower jobs as well, and while those in my opinion are not as based within a scientific mindset and are more focused on the physical aspect (spacing, watering, etc.), you’re still y’know, playing with flowers every day. There’s also a plethora of gardening and landscaping jobs that pay fairly well. For perspective, my grower job was an entry level with my pay based on my degree, and I was making more yearly than my brother, who is a professor. 

I’ve been graduated for almost two years now, and I think one of the very important things about deciding where to go with your life, is to realize that... work isn’t everything. Of course, a job and an income are important for living, but if you’re unhappy with your career, is it worth it? This is a question I think everyone should ask themselves when trying to decide where they want to steer their life. So, if you take some Plant Science classes and you realize it makes you really happy, and you’re just over the moon about it, do it! Fulfillment within your career is perhaps the best currency you can have -- you will never work a day in your life if you love what you do. 

rather than post all my art here on my plant blog, i’ve made a separate spot for my work. it’d be super cool if you guys checked it out  (*˘︶˘*).｡.:*♡