The Aesthetic of Solitude

Einstein once said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” It’s beautiful how true this can be, especially through the last week. While all my friends were going to homecoming dances at other schools, or holding bonfires of SAT books in celebration of the end of high-school level standardized testing, I was at home. I was sitting alone, accompanied only by my thoughts and my computer with google docs pulled up to my ISM assignments.Strangely enough, the renowned physicist's decree came to pass, as in my isolated state of mind, my thoughts flowed like a river as I examined the day that had unfolded before me.

My introspective ability knew no bounds as I reflected on my first research interview early that afternoon. Going into the interview, I had a clear outlook on my future, as I knew specifically that I wanted to enter the field of medical oncology. After meeting with a professional as part of my research interview however, I was dumbfounded. The way the doctor explained stories of her patients and the way she described the ways that the profession impacted her left me at a complete loss of words. As I sat in that floral couch at home, recounting my day, I realized that there was another field of opportunity available for me: pediatric oncology. The pediatric oncologist I met with, opened my eyes to a profession I had briefly considered, revolutionizing my thought process. This also prompted me to look up numerous other branches of oncology to see if any others had particular interest to me. While encased in the loneliness of my house I was able to conduct far more research on my field of interest and expand my knowledge base, an opportunity that would not have been available to me under different conditions.

As upset as I was for being confined to my house on a Saturday evening, in retrospect, I am now somewhat appreciative of my parents for restricting my attendance from those social gathering. If not for this, a new opportunity for learning would not have presented itself. Through the beauty of solitude, I discovered the expanse of ideas available to me, and in my days to come, I will be sure to analyze more of them and take numerous perspectives into account.