Introductory
Roughly 20 years ago, at age eight, I decided I wanted to be a research zoologist (because my mum's friend is one, and it looked really interesting). Roughly 9 years ago, I was due to start applying to universities and begin that journey into zoology, when I was diagnosed with cancer. The years that followed were mostly spent trying to get healthy, and then find work. Roughly 3 years ago, I realised that I wasn't content to be an administrator/secretary/PA/receptionist for my whole working life. I enjoyed the work and it paid well, but it wasn't the thing I wanted to do. I left work that evening, sat down at my computer, and applied for a one-year science refresher course. Roughly one working day later, they emailed me to ask if I was interested in starting that following Monday. I'd intended to apply for the next academic year, but apparently there were still spaces open in the current one (I applied in early September). I took myself to a pub, ordered a mojito, ...