CompuServe Thread

#Geology Student

8 messages in this thread
#166323From: Matthew D. GentryFeb 6, 1995 4:05 PM
I am a junior geology student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This is my frist semester in geology and I absolutely love it. If there is any one out there who could give an aspiring geology student any advice on how to make himself stand out above the rest, it would be much appreciated. Also if you know of any great books on geology let me know. Thanks, Matt
#166363From: PATRICIA S. KERNAGIFeb 6, 1995 7:57 PM
Hi Matt! My name is Dawn Kernagis. I will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next year. I thought for a I wanted to major in Physics, but now I am going back and forth between that and Geology ( I want to get into hydrogeology a little later on.) What do you think of the Geology department at UNC? Look forward to speaking with you in the near future! Regards, Dawn Kernagis
#166376From: Matthew D. GentryFeb 6, 1995 9:02 PM
Dawn, I really like the geology department at Chapel Hill. There are not too many of us, about 25 or so, so you get to know all the majors and professors. I came to UNC last year as an astronomy major. THe astronomy sparked my intrest in geology and now I am a major. So why geology and why UNC? I look forward to hearing from you, Matt
#166533From: PATRICIA S. KERNAGIFeb 7, 1995 6:05 PM
Hi again! Well, I used to be interested in Geology when I was REAL little. Then I made a trip to Seaworld, and I decided I wanted to be a marine biologist. So, from the ages of 9-15, I was stuck on marine biology. Then I took Biology, and I did OK, but I found it boring. I have recently gone into Honors Physics( which I thought I would hate) and LOVED it. I liked AP Chemistry too. I have been a certified scuba diver for a little over two years now, and I have worked at a scuba shop (Bill's Scuba in Raleigh) for about a year and a half. The people I usually dive with are NCSU students who I have known since I have worked at the shop…. Anyways, I have gotten into cave diving. As I have been working with the cave diving more, my interests turned to Hydrogeology. For some reason, this subject fascinates me ( I guess because of the cave diving). My interests had gone several different directions before I arrived at this one ( in the past year and a half) , but I am happy with my current decision. Why Chapel Hill? I do not know exactly. I know it is a very good school, but considering I had wanted to major in Physics, I don't know why it wasn't State . I am happy now though, because I just spoke with a friend of mine who has his BS in geology from State, and he told me to stay at Chapel Hill…I THOUGHT I knew what I wanted to do this past Fall, but now I am going nuts!! I won't be starting school until next spring ( another recently made decision) because I have been offered the chance to work with an upcoming cave exploration project in the Yucatan. I am looking forward to Chapel Hill though!! Do you have any specific interests in geology, or are you undecided ( like me)? Keep in touch, and I look forward to hearing from you again!! Regards, Dawn
#166715From: Matthew D. GentryFeb 8, 1995 4:56 PM
Dawn, Like you, I am also undecided about what exactly to go into. Everything in geology fascinates me. I don't know if I'll ever decide. Right now I am a little behind in my classes, so I will not graduate until Christmas '96 (I hope anyway). Next semseter is when I really get started in my geology classes. Next semseter I will be taking Mineralogy, Sedimentary rocks, and Structural Geology. THe best geology class here has to be Geology 128 &129. It is a six week field camp in New Mexico, Arizonia, Utah, and Colorado. I'll be taking it next summer. I can't wait; I hear it is so much fun. I must say that I am jealous of you; I have been trying to get certified in scuba diving for some time. I thought I was going to be able to take a course here this semester, but it fills up so fast. How much does it cost to become certified elsewhere? What about rentals and stuff? Well I better get back to studing. Look forward to hearing from you again, Matt
#166495From: Dr. Rodney K. BurroughsFeb 7, 1995 12:18 PM
Hi Matt, << advice to an aspiring geology student on how to "stand out above the rest" >> Sure, raise your hand _higher_ than everyone else and ask _all_ the questions. 😉 Rod
#166517From: Matthew D. GentryFeb 7, 1995 4:39 PM
Were would you suggest to start in looking for summer employment in the geology field. Not much can be done through the University. Thanks, Matt
#166681From: Dr. Rodney K. BurroughsFeb 8, 1995 12:32 PM
Hi Matt, Sure, go spelunking with Dawn! ;-)_ Rod