by Megan Furner

Created on: January 12, 2010   Last Updated: January 14, 2010

I don't have love; I have Science.

Science will always be there for me. It always provides me with opportunities to grow and enrich my self as an individual in a relatively misinformed society. It will never disappear without warning, cheat on me for another subject, nor will it break my heart. Unless I don't understand a concept, it never makes me feel insecure, unattractive, not good enough, or socially awkward. It doesn't compare me to other people, say harsh words, or make me cry. It never causes me to doubt my relationship with it. There are no "testing the waters" nor "friends with benefits but I secretly like you" bonds (only chemical ones!). I don't have to go beyond my means to get it to notice me. It's not afraid of commitment, and it does not keep secrets. All it requires of me is a willingness to make it work, to make the most out of what it gives me. In essence, it's the gift of stability. There are enough topics to keep things interesting and fresh. There are mathematical and conceptual challenges that allow me to strengthen my intellect. There are goals which can be so achieved as to induce a euphoria less germy than spit swapping.

So when I try to rely on another person for my happiness, perhaps that one I can tell everything to, hug, kiss, dance, and share my life, I elevate the potential for heartbreak. Though it's hard to imagine life without this someone, there might come a time when he will no longer be there. There might be nothing I can do about it; it might be for the best; it might hurt to face a life of loneliness. Nonetheless, the world keeps turning, the clock keeps ticking, and I'm growing older, learning nothing.

So I turn to Science. In a less self-absorbed light, I do it for the people who believe in fairy tales. I do it so one day people will have the opportunity to make mistakes and cultivate beliefs about the most fundamental things to a human, most notably, love. I do it for the ones who think they have all the answers only to realize they do not and probably never will. I do it for the ones who care, who have regrets, who seek opportunity. I do it for those who have families to feed, bills to pay, and peace to keep. That's why I want to marry medicine.

Learn more about this author, Megan Furner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.