Science is hard, no doubt about it. It is easy to get caught up in the idea of something rather than in the reality of it. However, just because something is hard doesn’t mean you cannot do it; the harder things often end up being the most worthwhile. The concepts of science are fascinating and relatively easy to memorize while the actual work behind those concepts disenchants many who begin to study them. Pushing through the frustration of mastering the little processes that make a field understandable may be one of the most difficult things to do.
In the mid 20th century, a young student with dreams of becoming a chemist enrolled at Cornell University and fell in love with that amazing field. Unfortunately, because of the high cost of an education, he quit school and took a full-time job. Seeing a father experience losing his dream hits home to me. I’ve spent many sleepless nights buried in books.
This man had a daughter named Mary Maynard Daly who saw her father’s shattered dreams, fought diligently to overcome low finances and balancing her time against the demands of life to receive her degree. While this isn’t unique, what getting her degree meant and what she contributed shows how early struggles can pay off.
After Daly’s undergraduate work in chemistry, she began graduate school, remarkably finishing her master’s degree in only a year. Under the supervision of another great scientist, Daly was awarded the first chemistry doctorate in history for an African American woman. Her later research was critical in our understanding of how cholesterol contributes to the risk of heart attacks.
Next in Daly’s career, she helped establish the link between smoking and lung damage. In my view, her greatest contribution is her skill in teaching young students and instilling in them a deep love for science. She was affiliated with several universities and scientific institutions over her life, most notably as a professor at the prestigious Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Yeshiva University, in New York. Her dedication showed how hard work and determination, even in a world dominated with prejudice, can change everything.
The namesake of her University, Albert Einstein, once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” If you ever get stuck on a problem in life, remember to take a step back and use your imagination. Your mind is indescribably useful when you get creative.
Don’t get stuck, get creative
NEW NATHANIEL WOODWARD