MOTIVATION DURING THE PANDEMIC
masks in order to socialize and feel as if life had returned to normal – at least at field camp. Sitting them one to a table and facing the same direction destroys the social makeup of the group, which is valuable for helping them exchange ideas about their fieldwork and master geology. It also makes them feel like they are being punished! They must have felt uncomfortable and wondered whether this was really necessary. I wonder whether talking was allowed. Some hypercautious doctors would have had them remain silent with masks on even after they had finished eating. Sounds like reform school to me. The masks and special seating were unnecessary given
Hays Slaughter, SA-10132
from the way we take tests and conduct research, to completing labs. This year stands as a testament to proving that nothing comes easy in life without hard work. From social distancing to not seeing my friends, I have learned to be more patient and grateful for the times we used to spend together before COVID-19. Furthermore, there is plenty to be grateful for even with all the hardships that this year has brought into our lives.
T
www.aipg.org
The past few years of being an undergraduate have been memorable for a variety of reasons. However, my geology field trip in the summer of 2019 was the most eventful and remarkable so far. My classmates and I were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to go camping on a research trip for two weeks in the beautiful states of Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. For the duration of the trip, we studied various geologic structures and learned more skills that we can utilize in the field. For example, in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas we practiced our fieldwork skills by studying the outcrops and changes in the geologic record to better interpret and describe different formations. In addition, we analyzed maps throughout the trip to correlate the changes in the observable geology to different regions we visited on our trip.
The overall experience of the trip is one that I will never forget because it validated my passions and dreams to become a future geologist. As a child, I always pursued learning more about different types of minerals and rocks. Once I grew older, I continued to study the subject on my own as a hobby of inter- est. Georgia’s high school curriculum did not provide much of an opportunity for me to learn more about the subject. I became discouraged from pursuing geology because the career choice isn’t common in the southeast. Once I got to college, I chose to major in biology, and planned go to medical school like my father. However, I quickly realized I had made a mistake due to how ill-suited I was to the pre-medical program and
hrough these uncertain times and with the end of my undergraduate stud- ies approaching, I have found myself reflecting over my time as a college student. My experience with college has been a challenge from the start, with ample amounts of growing along the way, but none of us ever imagined to be studying during a pandemic. In our classrooms, everything has changed,
that the students and serving staff were supposedly virus negative.
Field camp is very necessary for devel- oping the mental skills needed to be a practicing geologist, or any type of field scientist. Seeing the rocks “in person” also helps you develop your “geologic eye.” I’m retired now, but I never hired anyone who had not taken and passed field camp.
During late December 2020, the total number of deaths allegedly due to COVID-19 was just over 300,000 individ- uals (the actual number of deaths may be as much as 600,000). The total United States population is about 330,000,000.
The Spanish flu pandemic killed about 675,000 people during 1918 to 1920 when the American population num- bered about 103,000.000. COVID-19 kills mostly the elderly and those with pre-existing diseases. The Spanish flu killed mostly healthy teens and twenty somethings. Given the latest news about the spread of COVID-19, I would guess that it is endemic already. So, what are the readers’ thoughts on having field camps during the pandemic? I say it is well worth it and should take place all over the country and the world! GO FOR IT!
Raphael Ketani, PG, CPG Sunnyside, NY
Staying Strong and Motivated during the Covid-19 Pandemic
changed my major to geology. Afterwards, my experiences as an undergraduate student and the field trip opportunity proved to myself that I had made the right choice to pursue a future career as a geologist.
Throughout the two-week trip, I was given the opportunity to see many beautiful places such as The Great Sand Dunes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Capulin Volcano National Park, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to name a few. The experiences I shared with my peers had a profound effect on my motivation as a student, and it encouraged me to work harder every day. Therefore, I continue to find any opportunity to apply myself more in my studies and in any extracurricular organizations and activities to improve my chances of reaching my goals as a future geologist. My fondest memory of the trip was in Estes, Colorado where I was able to enjoy a beautiful sunset with close friends. It is memories like seeing that sunset painted across the sky behind the enormous, snow-capped Rocky Mountains that motivate me to stay strong during this pandemic.
Apr.May.Jun 2021 • TPG 9
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