Why I Chose to Study Food Science: My Personal Journey

I remember as a teenager, I was fascinated by the culinary arts. I started making homemade yogurt at the age of 13, and I experimented with beer brewing at 15. I was also eager to improve my cheesecake recipes. However, I was unaware of the academic major known as food science until after a friend from northern California shared his experience. Intrigued, I decided to explore the field and discovered a unique combination of science, technology, and creativity that piqued my interest.

The Influence of My Father

My journey into food science was also influenced by my dad. Growing up in rural Arkansas, fishing was my primary activity. Being the second person in my nuclear family to attend university, I sought my dad's advice on which major to choose. In his typical wise manner, he pointed out the inevitability of human consumption, suggesting that food science would be a safe and always-in-demand field. Not wanting to work with deceased individuals, I decided to pursue food science. The program's large scale also offered numerous scholarship opportunities that helped with tuition costs.

The Influence of My Mother

Another perspective on why I chose to study food science came from my mother. Raised in rural Mississippi, farming was the only life I knew. As the first in my family to attend college, I again discussed potential majors with my mother. In her typically wise advice, she advised me to pursue a field that would always be in demand. This led me to the same conclusion: food science not only promised a stable career but also allowed me to avoid the less appealing option of working with deceased individuals. Moreover, the smaller program size meant more scholarship opportunities.

The Fascination of Food Science

The primary reason I studied food science, however, was my genuine fascination. The course content involved understanding the processes of transforming agricultural commodities into safe, efficient, and cost-effective food products. The food industry is indeed stable, making it a reliable long-term career choice. People's health and well-being are directly impacted by the quality of the food they consume, hence the importance of food science.

Conclusion

Studying food science has been an enriching and fulfilling journey. It combines my interest in food with scientific knowledge, providing a platform for innovation and improvement in the food industry. The academic program, with its unique blend of theory and practical applications, has equipped me with the skills to contribute meaningfully to this essential field.