Lessons from the Bee Researcher and a Wedding Florist; Curiosity meets Passion

Story about the Passionate Bee Researcher

A few weeks ago, SUU hosted their annual "Festival of Excellence" where groups of students presented posters for different research topics. The AFEC (gymnasium) was filled with posters about different research questions and random topics. It made me happy that the students were learning so many cool things. Among the groups of presenters, there was one poster being presented by one single guy, passionately talking about bees. While the other presenters chose topics given from their professors, the bee boy came up with this research on his own and seemed real and authentic about his passion for his research. I have never heard someone talk so passionately about something so niche (very authentic). I asked him why he was presenting this info and he explained that he started up a research project with his professor to document never-before-been-documented info on honeybee nests in Southern Utah (and the West in general). He explained that him, his wife, and his professor go on little expeditions to search for honeybee nests in the parks and underground in Utah. He invited me to talk to the professor in charge of the research and was recruiting others to help on his expeditions! I left not knowing fully what just happened, but I am a lot more interested in bee hunting than I was before.

By the way, while I was there listening to him explain this to me, the chair of biology came over with his wife saying they were willing to fund more research and could house them to study grounds in Northern Utah. It was the coolest experience to be there and see his curiosity and passion for this topic attract people's interest (including important people that make stuff happen like the chair of biology).

Story about the Passionate Wedding Florist

On the same day (I was feeling very curious about random things that day), a wedding photographer I follow went live with a wedding florist. I decided to watch for a while, finding myself captivated by the conversation on wedding florals. I began firing off questions about the florist's journey-- how she started her business, what inspired her, her educational background, etc. She was passionate about her answers and obviously loved her job. The florist's enthusiasm was infectious, mirrored by the host's genuine excitement to share insights. Together, they they talked about the art of the wedding industry and making perfect pallets on someone's special day. As I continued to listen with curiosity, they eagerly shared more and more of their knowledge. I realized my genuine curiosity fueled rich conversations throughout the whole live. After the live ended, the wedding photographer sent me a DM thanking me for my inquisitive spirit.

Ultimate lessons learned about passion and curiosity

Humans naturally have a desire to learn and be curious. These two experiences taught me that among embracing that desire, we can discover passionate people that can spark interest in us. In a world filled with information and authentic people full of all sorts of knowledge and passion, never underestimate the power of a curious mind. As we seek knowledge, we have the potential to forge meaningful connections, spark inspiration, and uncover the beauty of shared experiences.