Work without passion is just that: work
It was a typical spring day. The sun was shining brightly outside, the sky was a brilliant blue, and only a few light wisps across the horizon gave any indication that clouds even existed. Tulips and daffodils had only recently emerged from the earth, and a familiar emerald blanket was beginning to cover the ground. The student center was bustling with activity, just as it usually is during the midday. Some students lounged around discussing the plights of society while others hurried along to their next lecture course. One student stands in line at the registrar's office, waiting. It was just an average moment in so many ways, and yet for Kelton Wells, it was a moment that would change the course of his life forever.
"I grew up knowing exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to help people. That's the one thing I always knew, and the best way I knew to do that was through medicine," says Wells. In fact some of his earliest memories involve nurses, hospitals, doctors, and specialists.
But not for himself.
Wells' younger sister was diagnosed with a chromosome disorder a few months into the pregnancy and has been the fruit of medical miracles ever since. "I vividly remember all the hospital visits," he says. The stark white walls, the feelings of stress and sorrow, and the pungent scent of disinfectant all made an impression on the young boy. "But above all the sadness, I remember there was so often a feeling of hope and happiness. New chances at life were granted, and even at a young age I remember understanding what a gift that was. I wanted to be able to share that same gift with others."
And so his preparation began. Wells had an aptitude for science and mathematics and was often involved in advanced courses, extracurricular activities, leadership endeavors, physician shadowing; basically anything that would strengthen his eventual medical school application. His preparation likewise continued into his collegiate experience. While most freshman students were enrolled in Introduction to Psychology and Music Appreciation, he was in the science building studying biology, chemistry, and calculus. "I have always loved science. There is something absolutely fascinating to me about learning what makes us tick."
During Wells' sophomore year, he enrolled in a general education course studying radio production which focused on the basics of broadcasting including news writing, production elements, commercial marketing, etc.
And within a few short weeks he was hooked.
"I've always known I was a unique combination of right and left brained, and this class just worked for me. Honestly, I was in love, and it scared me. I was the kid who had always had his life planned out, and being a journalist was not a part of that plan." Wells' professors thought he had a knack, and convinced him, along with partner Sheraya Barajas, to enter a state competition in radio news production which required full execution of a radio news piece including concept, writing, and production. “I remember clearly when I asked Kelton and Sheraya to compete in the state competition,” says Professor Troy Hunt. “They were both reticent, but especially Kelton. He couldn’t believe that I wanted him to compete. When we were sitting at the awards assembly his anxiety was palpable. But when their names were called for first place the fear completely disappeared.” Wells said, "I surprised myself by progressing on to the national competition."
And they won, two years in a row.
He waits in line not because the registrar's office is particularly busy, but out of hesitation. He's had a plan for years, and he's about to pull the plug. His hands feel clammy as he submits the form that will officially list himself as a journalism major, but a secret sense of relief emerges as he realizes that this may indeed be his calling. "I found something interesting when I started out in radio: I got a thrill in telling a story that I had never experienced in all the time I'd been preparing for medical school. And I realized that my dreams of helping people are just as fulfilled as a journalist as they would have been as a doctor. Journalists tell the story of the world, and to be a part of that is what I strive for. I want to make a difference in the lives of people."
