Chapter 1: Early Aspirations and Realizations

During my high school years, I considered pursuing a career in medicine. To gain insight, I arranged a meeting with an emergency doctor who had experience on the interview board. His advice was invaluable: "Rather than saying you want to help others, express your desire for challenge and growth in a field where learning is perpetual." This seemed beneficial until he pointed to a family photo on his desk, revealing how little he was home.

Ultimately, I opted for a degree in medical science, believing it would offer a more favorable work-life balance while still allowing me to explore my passion for medicine. This choice also permitted me to delve into microbiology, much like my grandfather, who was known for discovering Legionella donaldsonii. Initially, this seemed like a promising path. I found microbiology and immunology captivating, especially in understanding immune responses and microbes like bacteriophage.

However, halfway through my studies, I recognized my error. I had prepared for a role in a pathology lab, which meant facing 24/7 shifts, limited social interactions, stagnant career advancement, and unsatisfactory pay and conditions. Moreover, it became clear that my job could be automated long before I retired.

I needed to pivot. I contemplated switching to a combined science and arts degree, but the lack of a philosophy program at my university was a dealbreaker. Feeling adrift, I learned that a lecturer was seeking volunteers for a turtle project. I inquired and ultimately accepted a two-year honors project that allowed me to complete my medical science degree while studying freshwater turtles.

This opportunity was serendipitous, as it became available when another student withdrew. My honors supervisor took a chance on me despite my average grades. My enthusiasm for the project reignited my passion for learning.

While I had previously juggled a full-time job and skipped classes, turtle research was invigorating. Over two years, I traveled around Queensland, capturing, sampling, and releasing hundreds of freshwater turtles. The aim was to test their blood for antibodies against a virus threatening juvenile turtles and frog populations. Unfortunately, the test I was developing failed, preventing me from validating my results for publication.

Despite the setback, I gained invaluable insights into turtle immunology and discovered that these creatures, though possessing small brains, exhibit vibrant personalities.

Although I didn't pursue an academic career—funding meant for my PhD was diverted to purchase fishing boats—I moved to Melbourne for broader opportunities. While I miss working with turtles and continue to engage with scientific literature, academia wasn't my true calling.

Now, I find myself in a position where younger individuals seek my life advice, sometimes even offering me their seats on public transport. My guidance for those feeling lost is straightforward: Take it easy. Approach each day as it comes. Embrace the present moment and move forward steadily.

Many remain directionless because they feel they must have a clear goal before making progress. However, true self-discovery comes from action. Embrace new experiences and say "yes" to opportunities. The pursuits that ignite your passion will endure, while the rest are simply stepping stones in your journey.

We owe much to those who preceded us. In my case, that includes Professor Ellen Ariel, who granted me the chance to study turtles and, in turn, discover more about myself.

There's an ancient Hindu myth stating that the world rests on the back of giant elephants, which themselves stand on the back of a turtle. Philosophers later suggested that beneath that turtle lies another turtle, continuing infinitely—turtles all the way down.

While no actual turtles support the world, many do sustain mine. I am eternally grateful to Ellen and the turtles for their impact on my life.

Jonathan Meddings is an author and advocate from Melbourne, Australia.

Section 1.1: The Turtle Project

In this section, we explore the transformative impact of my turtle research.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Joy of Research

The experience of studying turtles was invigorating and fulfilling, contrasting sharply with my earlier studies.

Chapter 2: Lessons Learned

As I reflect on my journey, I recognize the wisdom I've gained through unexpected challenges and discoveries.

The first video, "Turtles All The Way Down | Official Trailer | Max," offers an engaging glimpse into turtle research.

The second video, "Everything Wrong with Turtles All the Way Down," humorously critiques common misconceptions in turtle studies.