Hi, normally I am a lurker on these types of boards, but your post compelled me to share my version.
I was like you in my desire to study marine biology. It started when I had an opportunity to dive the Great Barrier Reef while in High School, and I was hooked. As a kid, all I wanted to do was be a biologist of sorts, but after that first dive marine biology was my calling.
I attended Texas A&M Univ at Galveston (
Texas A&M University at Galveston) and graduated with a BS in Marine Biology. I loved almost every class that I took there. In my time there, I was able to log near 500 dives, and even had the opportunity to dive with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Moody Gardens, and some professors doing research.
But then I graduated, with just a B.S. While I did intern with TPWD for two summers, it still was not enough to get me a job in the field. Even if I had managed to get a job, it would have paid less and $30k. I managed to snag a job consulting to Big Oil, focusing on projects that were marine related. In order to advance in business I realized I needed another degree, so I pursued a Master's in Marine Resource Management (also TAMUG). Now I work for Big Oil directly. I like what I do, but my hobby is what I love.
If you are going to go the research route, you will have to reside to the fact that you are going to need to get at least a Masters degree, and most likely a PhD. Also, you have to understand that you are not going to be bringing home the big bucks, even with a PhD. If you can live with a $45k/yr salary and having to be in school for another 10 years, go for it. It will be a rewarding and exciting experience.
Just remember to be true to yourself first, and ask yourself these questions:
1. Can I be happy on little money doing what I love?
2. Can I put up with pursuing a Masters (3-5 yrs) and possibly a PhD (3-5 yrs) after I get a BS?
3. Would I rather use my passion as a hobby and find something I can tolerate or possibly enjoy doing?
Maybe the EE isn't for you, like others have said the OE sounds like an interesting tract. The marine biology life isn't an easy one, and I tend to discourage people from studying marine biology unless they are capable of living on the smaller salary and want to do research. I do know people who are happy with their choices to pursue further education in the marine biology realm, so it is possible. Just be true to yourself.
Good luck with your choice, and may you find a career that makes you happy. Don't you just hate having to choose what you want to do for the rest of your life at 20?