The Courage to Pivot: My Journey from Forensic Science to People Empowerment

Life has a way of taking us down paths we never expected, sometimes leading us to crossroads where we have to make tough decisions. My journey began with a deep fascination for forensic science, a field I spent five years immersing myself in. I was passionate, curious, and determined, even choosing ballistics as my specialization, a choice that was rarely made by women, let alone pursued with the intensity I brought to it.

I was the only woman in my batch focused on ballistics. I thrived in the challenge, breaking through barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. It was exhilarating, and I loved every moment of it. But as I neared the end of my academic journey, I was confronted with a truth that was hard to swallow: despite my passion for the subject, I realized that this wasn't the career path that would fulfill me in the long run.

The more I thought about my future, the more I understood that I didn’t want to spend my life in a lab, testing exhibits that may or may not help provide someone with justice. The idea of working with exhibits, often connected to tragic or violent events, began to weigh on me. I found myself drawn more to the idea of working with living people rather than with the aftermath of death.

It was a tough realization. After all, I had invested years of hard work, fought internal battles, and broken stereotypes. The logical part of me said, "You should continue, don't let all that effort go to waste." But deep down, I knew that forcing myself into a career that didn’t give me a sense of purpose would only lead to dissatisfaction.

So, I made the difficult decision to pivot. I took a step back and reassessed what truly brought me joy and fulfillment. I did a deep dive into my ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding purpose in life, and after many twists and turns, I discovered that my passion lies in helping and uplifting others. Today, I channel my energy into empowering people, driving HR, fostering organizational growth, and cultivating a positive work culture.

I learned that it’s okay to change direction, even when it feels like you’re leaving a lot behind. The key is to listen to your inner voice and have the courage to pursue what truly resonates with you.

In the end, it's not about the titles we hold or the fields we conquer. It's about the impact we make and the joy we find in the work we do. For me, that joy comes from seeing others succeed and knowing that I played a part in their journey.

For those navigating their own crossroads, I'd add this advice:

Trust the process, even when it's unclear. Life isn't always a straight path, and sometimes the detours lead us to the most meaningful destinations. Embrace uncertainty, be open to change, and don't be afraid to walk away from something that no longer aligns with your true self. In the end, what matters most is not the path you took but the purpose you find in where you end up. Your journey is uniquely yours, honor it, and let it guide you to where you truly belong.