VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering Opens the Doors for Much More Than Just Networking
Lynette Alomar, MS, CPG-11253, PG
Early on, I only believed in science; now I also believe in technology, engi- neering and mathematics. I had always dreamed of going to the moon; however, I understood that earth science is more than just planets and life outside our beautiful home, planet Earth. During my undergraduate studies as a geology major, I met the love of my life, made a career of it, and my experiences made me more human and a better philanthropist.
Not all of us really need to get a graduate degree in geosciences, even though I have one, but to be a leader, one has to have a strategy in mind when going to the field, to a laboratory or to work in any industry. Therefore, I encourage all students to always look for the best opportunity that you can find in academia. Sometimes, it’s difficult to have your elders take you seriously when you are a student and are still learning your path as a geologist. However, if you look for work with your professors and you take the responsibility of the job seriously, it will open doors. I got my very first job as a research assistant with the late Dr. Charles Almy from Guildford University (who was my mentor in my sophomore year) and I remember that it was the first of many other job opportunities. Things do turn around! I was fascinated with all the knowledge that I was getting from my mentor as I was working in laboratory setting; it was a new experience for me. I remembered that I listened and followed his instructions, but moreover, I worked very hard. It opened a lot of doors for me. As I was working for Dr. Almy, I also went to the scientific section of my college library to research and read journals; some of them were even of interest to my teachers, and when that happened job opportunities also happened. I did research on my own on what geologists do and made sure that I did not miss a field trip or a confer- ence. I also volunteered to assist with field trips and conferences and by doing
that I was able to meet geologists who taught me some of the technical work that geoscientists do.
With time, after I graduated from college, I received a summer internship that led me to win a fellowship to work on my master’s degree.
I obtained my Master’s Degree, and after more than 25 years of experience as a professional geologist, I have concluded that it is time to give back to oth- ers by volunteering again. Volunteering is hard work and it gives one a sense of accomplishment in a different way from working your everyday job. To me, the interaction with people of poor communities or the needy provides great satisfaction. Since 2017, I have been volunteering in my home country, Puerto Rico, to rebuild communities because of the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Through volunteering, I am able to teach my community, my town, and individuals on how to effectively prepare for an atmospheric event and on how to protect our environment. It is a positive chain reaction to respond to an emer- gency; people teach their families and families teach their friends and so forth.
Nowadays, because of the earthquakes that had impacted my country in the past, not only in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico, but across the Island, I am working with the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN) to train local schools on how to prepare and respond in the event of an earthquake. You save lives by volunteering, and that’s big! As you are preparing for the next step in your life, think about how you can offer your free time as a volunteer, and you will grow as you become a professional in the field.
Funding opportunities in geology for undergraduate students can be found by writing to:
ddobson@guilford.edu
Official AIPG 2021 Ballot National Officer Election
President-Elect President in 2023
Dawn Garcia, CPG-08313 Jim Jacobs, CPG-07760
Vice-President Term of office 2022
Colin Flaherty, CPG-11465 Anne Murray, CPG-11645
Secretary Term of office 2022-2023
Bill Brab, CPG-11693 John Sorrell, CPG-11366
Early Career Professional Term of office 2022-2023
Hannah Blaylock, ECP-0679 Dylan Young, ECP-0358
Name AIPG Member Number
Vote online or mail in this ballot
www.aipg.org Apr.May.Jun 2021 • TPG 31
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