2016 AIPG STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Sean Czarnecki, SA-7532
We’re headed out there. We always have been. Out over the next horizon, out over the sea, out of the atmosphere and to the moon. Now the next out there is really out there, out of Earth’s orbit. I read an article today about a new fuel-less propulsion technology being developed that could make solar system explo- ration economically feasible. It’s
happening. Within my lifetime, I’m confident some brave soul will step foot on Mars.
But I feel that in order for humanity to spread to other planetary bodies, we must have the best available knowledge of every aspect of the worlds we visit BEFORE we visit them. The local, regional, and indeed planetary geology of a planet is probably the most important area of knowledge for an astronaut stepping foot on another planet. NASA has plans to send humans to Mars in the next few decades and I want to be a part of the important research into the surface features of Mars so that these future astronauts know exactly what to expect when they step foot on Mars. But this knowledge is not valuable ust for extraterrestrial exploration, but also to give geologists a perspective on Earth systems we have never had before. The morphologies and terrains studied on another planet such as Mars could give us new insights on the struc- tures of the Earth itself.
Participating in this type of research would fulfill a lifelong dream of mine, to have a ob studying astronomical obects. My favorite aspect of astronomy was always planets. The pos- sibilities of extraterrestrial life, the extreme surface conditions on Venus, the great variety of Jupiter’s and Saturn’s moons; these were the things I always loved to learn about. I think that sending humans to these distant shores will only refocus people here on how precious our perfect planet is, and how important it is that we respect and protect our planet so that it doesn’t become a hostile environment like the one those first explorers will have to face, out there.
Katelyn Brower, SA-7588
Without reservation, I want to be a geologist. Ever since I can remem- ber I’ve been interested in the natu- ral sciences, and as a homeschool student I had the freedom and good fortune to delve into any subects that captured my interest; much of my science time was spent out- doors in a hands-on environment, on wooded acreage that was, and still is, my backyard. My favorite place is, and has always been, outside inves-
tigating everything in the natural world. So, when I started community college in the running start program, after much soul searching and deliberation that seemed to lead to nowhere specific, I took an organic approach to discover a focus of study by beginning to take various earth science classes while fill- ing my repertoire of fundamental requirements. Much to my surprise, in my second year, I took my first geology class as
part of a learning community and everything became clear. I have since been on a firm course and engaged in my educa- tion. I am working hard and am an active learner, with a true desire to learn everything I possibly can.
My enthusiasm for geology motivates me to challenge myself and look for more ways to enhance my knowledge. Difficult courses I would have otherwise been frustrated with, I con- sider to be the foundation for successive classes and beyond to my ultimate goal, as it should be. I will have completed a comprehensive list of pre-requisites at Everett Community College, inclusive of calculus, chemistry, engineering physics and geology series courses upon graduation in preparation for my transfer to university in the fall, all while enhancing my GPA. I also completed a GIS course recently with Western Washington University through our local Everett University Center while continuing to attend the community college. My intent is to support my geology degree, and gain marketable skills to obtain a geology-related internship or position in a research proect during summers, and overall hands on expe- rience in the world of geological work so that I can be better prepared for my career.
Likewise, I actively surround myself with like-minded indi- viduals in the geoscience community; casually, academically and professionally. My involvement in clubs and professional organizations allow me to collaborate, learn, network, and converse about geology, mineralogy and the like, making for an enriched experience. I love to glean knowledge from those experienced in the field; they have so much to share. As a stew- ard of the earth and in my leadership role as president of the Math, Engineering, Science, Student’s Association (MESSA club), I organized a volunteer event with our local Adopt-a- Stream Foundation, where we participated in a native planting along a creek bank. Aside from feeling good about a ob well done, I was pleased to see the organization incorporate educa- tion into their program. Because of this, I recently reached out to several families in the homeschool community, for which I still have a connection with through my younger sibling, to encourage their participation in one of their events. My goal is to pay it forward; to share this learning experience and the importance of conservation and environmental consciousness with younger students, and ultimately share my enthusiasm for the natural sciences by including them through hands-on exposure. I am happy to say these families have responded positively and I am in coordination with the Adopt-a-Stream Foundation to organize an event this spring.
Geology is part of who I am, it fits my personality and lifestyle. I live in the Pilchuck Valley near the foothill of Mt. Pilchuck in the Cascade Mountain Range of the Pacific Northwest. The Mountain Loop Highway, by its historical name, leads me home; it also takes me directly into the heart of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest where I have spent many hours and years hiking. I originally hiked with my family as a child in this history rich environment, for which I have fond memories of. As much as I am content repeating those trails, in most recent years, my hiking experiences are more challenging, and have greater educational significance. I still hike with my family for enoyment and recreation, as this is my solace, but now I am able to discover, interpret and share my knowledge of geology with them, while getting in a little rockhounding, too.
My career choice goes beyond interest; it is my passion and encompasses everything I enoy in life. Every experience reaf- firms my decision into the intriguing world of geology. I am
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