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by Met_Major11 from UW-Milwaukee

Last Post 32 days, 6 hours Ago


Which One: Journalism or Meteorology?
Dec 13, 2007 | 10:00 PM
Category: Weather
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I have a decision on my hands.

I LOVE the weather. But, in order to get my degree in Meteorology, I have to take 3 levels of Calculus, and three levels of Physics. I am absolutely TERRIBLE in math. I hate it with all my heart. I'm so scared my math skills will hinder me from getting my degree. But I love the weather.

I love writing. English has always been my best subject. On the writing portion of the ACT, I got the highest score you could get. However, the journalism field is highly competitive, and that makes me nervous.

I don't know if I should stick to Meteorology of go ahead and switch to Broadcast Journalism.

Any tips anyone?
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Member Comments Total Comments: 6
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Basher51 read my blog view my photos
Dec 14, 2007 | 8:19 AM

It appears that you've done a pretty good job of convincing yourself that you are terrible at math. No wonder you are scared. Don't let your fears scare you from fulfilling a dream. Instead of focusing on your fears and looking for a way to avoid them, use that wonderful brain of yours and the passion that you have for weather and look for solutions. Where at school can you get help with your math problems? A lot of grad students offer tutoring services to undergrads. Are there free tutors available? Can your math instructors offer additional help during office hours? You have such passion for the weather, don't let this fear make a decision for you that you will regret for the rest of your life. Look for solutions.
Vince_Condella read my blog view my photos
Dec 14, 2007 | 2:36 PM

Shakara - Basher's comments are right on target. I couldn't agree more.

However, meteorology/atmospheric science is a curriculum deep in math and physics. Valpo has a terrific undergrad program in meteorology led by Prof. Bart Wolf who was a student at UW-Madison when Bart Adrian and I taught there as graduate students. (But we can't take credit for his success - he earned it on his own!)

Is it possible to take an Intro to Meteorology course at Valpo so you can get a taste for the science? Also, make an appointment to meet with one of the professors, either Prof. Wolf or a female professor they have on their staff - her name escapes me now but all of her students rave about her. These professors can give you an honest opinion about the math and physics curriculum. You may have taken these steps already since you are a meteorology minor.

Typically the first two years of the undergraduate program in meteorology at any school tends to weed out those who can make it versus those who can't make it through the math and physics. This is because the most difficult math/physics courses are typically taken in the first two years.

Also keep in mind that while journalism is highly competitive, so is meteorology. And also realize that most meteorologists are not broadcast meteorologists. Those on TV/Radio make up only about 8% of all degreed meteorologists in the country. The remainder are found at the National Weather Service, private forecasting firms, research facilities, airlines, power companies, etc.

As Basher says, following your passion is the best directi
aaro-nf read my blog view my photos
Dec 14, 2007 | 6:28 PM

vince_condella, you hit that one righ ton the head.
i say if you hate math, stick to broadcast journalism.
great job on the posting of this blog.
witiwebprod1 read my blog view my photos
Dec 14, 2007 | 7:53 PM

The weather has always fascinated me and when I was in college, I took an intro to meteorology course. It was very interesting, but there's no way I could do what Vince, Bart, Rob & Bob do!!!

Let's just say there's a reason why I stuck with Journalism/Mass Comm! My skills are much better suited to writing and being creative than for all the science/math stuff.

That said, follow your heart!
Met_Major11 read my blog
Dec 15, 2007 | 5:42 PM

Thanks for the comments all!

Yes Vince, Theresa B. is actually my advisor. She told me to take the Intro to Met class & lab before making a decision what I want to do. I haven't talked to Prof. Wolf yet, but sounds like he has a great background!

I will try my best guys, but math makes me cringe!
Basher51 read my blog view my photos
Dec 15, 2007 | 9:23 PM

Shakara, remember this:

"Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less."
--Gen. Robert E. Lee

Don't be afraid of math. Work on the solution side, not the problem side. You can do. You just need to go for it!
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Met_Major11

I'm a Journalism & Mass Communications major at UWM. I plan to take Matt Lauer's job on the Today show in about 6 years. I also plan to have my own talk show and magazine.

Member Since: 9/4/2007


 

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