Synonym for a pleasurable coming-of-age experience

Enlightenment (“...achieving clarity of perception, reason and knowledge”), or epiphany (“An illuminating realization or discovery, often resulting in a personal feeling of elation, awe, or wonder”) probably are appropriate.

You might also say “It was nirvana” (“state of paradise; heightened or great pleasure”) or satori (“A sudden inexpressible feeling of inner understanding or enlightenment”), and the interviewers that understand will be impressed.

Also see numerous suggestions at Read ( Beautiful + Interesting ) stories. These include wonderful, captivating, enthralling, spellbinding, mesmerising, alluring, bewitching, engaging, magnificent, expressive, sublime, delightful, entrancing, amazing, and awesome, as well as the bemusing advice, “There is no common English word which means beautiful and interesting at the same time.”

My discovery of atmospheric science was orgasmic

noun: intense or paroxysmal excitement

I'm aware that isn't exactly appropriate either. Why not just say

My discovery of atmospheric science was enthralling

adjective: capturing and holding one’s attention; fascinating