Why Study in Science?
Reflect as a proton and remain perpetually positive!
Between the end of my high school and college, I had to decide on the job I was going to do for the rest of my life. Being a very curious girl with a lot of interests in life, I had a lot of trouble choosing.
I hated school for a long time because I was so bored and had trouble sitting in those long hours.
I always wanted to play outside. I had too much energy and curiosity and the teachers had a hard time holding back and channeling my attention.
I even wanted to drop out and not finish my high school. Wisely, I chose to finish at least with a trade. At the time the trades in high school being, mechanic, carpenter, secretary or hairdresser. I enrolled in hairdressing in Secondary 4 to ensure a “future”.
Imagination is more important than knowledge — Albert Einstein
The person who played a major role in my career choice was the vice-rector of my high school. What is a vice-rector? She usually deals with issues of discipline and student attendance, social and recreational programs. She can also advise students on personal, educational or professional issues.
Towards the end of my high school diploma, the Vice-Rector summons me to her office to follow up on my high school record. Here is a summary of our exchange:
Vice-rector: Why did you choose to go in hairdressing?
Me: I hate school and want to finish it as soon as possible.
Vice-rector: Yes, but despite your bad grades, you have excellent grades in maths. Why do you not continue your high school by completing your other science courses (chemistry, physics and biology) at level 1? So, if you ever change your ideas and want to go to college, and even science, you can take your courses lacking science level 2.
Me: No, I’m not good enough at school to continue in science.
Vice-rector: Since you are strong in math keeping your options open takes at least level 1 and you will see well by the end of high school, you still have time to decide your job.
Me: OK but just level 1 I do not want to go to science but I like to know that my future options will not be blocked.
Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of categorizing our curiosity (Tim Minchin)
This quarter of an hour has changed the course of my life. I finished high school with my level 1 science block.
Having still not decided on my future, I enrolled in college in pure and applied sciences.
Why? I still remember my reasoning:
‘It’s certain that I’m not going to continue in medicine, so I’m putting a cross on health sciences.’
At the time, the next option in science was Pure and Applied Sciences. Following the same precious advice that my vice-principal gave me in high school, I wanted to get through the college by keeping all my options open without closing doors.
Between the college and the university I worked almost two years full time as a receptionist within a software programming company.
Giving me time to decide what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life. The job also helped me to collect pennies for my studies.
Finally, one day my brother coming back from university brings me a pamphlet that introduced and explained the profession of a geologist.
Brief explanation of the time that had tickled me was:
‘Non-routine job outside the office and work areas from 9 to 5. Like to explore and move because the geologist is required to move very often to survey the field.’
The rest of my journey was very fluid. I completed a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in metallogeny. My job as a geologist is very dynamic and prevents me from becoming bored and jaded by life. The work varies a lot according to the projects so no routine work.
In everyday life, science has brought me a lot, especially to develop a critical mind and elevate my level of confidence. Younger, science intimidated me and I thought that:
• Only geniuses studied in science. It’s wrong! Everyone can study science.
People who studied science, i.e. the stereotype of “nerds”, were flat and monotonous. It’s wrong! Science develops very open minded people with a smart sense of humor and a funny spread.
• Years of study are needed to do a science job. It’s wrong! Many professions in practical sciences do not require a master’s degree, doctorate or post-doctorate.
Trust yourself, choose your trade based on your interests without banning the various trades in science for fear of not being “cool” or up to it.
Your choice being directly related to your personality you will be automatically motivated to continue. The doors will open as you move forward in your career.
As a mentor blogger for Academos, I wanted to share my personal experience to try to encourage young people to pursue their studies in science.
Also, to try to demystify the sciences that are still considered, in 2020, among young people, as scary and boring.
All science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thoughts. (Albert Einstein)
I hope my blog will serve as a virtual access to science with a more accessible and interesting approach that will reach young people in their current life.
Trades involving science are very diverse and do not all require doctorates. I want to make it clear that a base in science, without necessarily becoming a scientist, can be very useful and enjoyable daily in our lives.
Science is just common sense at its best (Thomas Huxley)
We live in a society where technology is gaining more and more place in our professional and personal lives. We should make an effort to better understand the technology around us without taking for granted that it exists without reasoning.
A new idea or scientific discovery always stems from a fertile imagination, several trials and errors, and an unexpected find.
Do not be discouraged and be afraid of our “failures” because by experience they forge us solidly and more often end up surprise us by helping us to achieve joyful surprises that encourage us to exclaim Eureka!
The most exciting sentence to hear in science, the one that announces new discoveries, is not “Eureka!” But “It’s funny …” (Isaac Asimov)
Francine Fallara, 2020
