Thursday 27 June 2013

An Introduction to TeenGeologist

The short segment of life I have lived so far has had many different responses to the question “What’s your favourite subject?” First it was science, then geography, then science again, then the triple science subjects separately, then geography again, then biology. However, soon I will be able to give a different answer. An answer I had never dreamt being able to give just a couple of years back, but one that I've been eager to reply with ever since: geology.

With hindsight, it makes perfect sense when you look at my previous “favourites”. Just combine geography and the sciences, right? Simple. However, this took me a long time to figure out. By way of illustration, let me tell you a bit about myself and where I am academically.

*clears throat*

Hello. I am TeenGeologist, TG from here on in, and I am a teenager from London. I’ll be starting upper sixth from September and will be studying A2 Physics and Geography. I have already completed A2 Biology (reasons for this may be revealed in a future blog), and will be starting AS Geology in September.  
Yes, that’s right. Geology. A subject that many people will be shocked to discover is even offered as an A level course. And they have every right to be, because it isn't offered at my school and, as far as I know, in the majority of British schools. I'm sure it’s possible to be taught the workings of the Earth in dozens of institutions across the country, but mine isn't one of them. It’s a lot to take in, I know. The important thing to note is that I will be taking an AS level in Geology of my own accord, without my school’s support.

“So, TG,” I hear you cry in incomprehension, “how on earth are you expecting to study this fascinating subject next year if it’s not in school?” Good question, Imaginary Reader. I will be teaching myself the course. There’s plenty of geology in textbooks and on the internet, and I’ll have lesson plans provided by the exam board. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, nothing.

A bit too optimistic? Maybe. Yet I am incredibly passionate about the Earth and its processes. If I thought geography and biology were my favourite subjects then I'm looking forward to studying geology more than anything else I've ever learnt in my 14 years of schooling. In fact, I'm expecting back problems in the next year. This subject will have me hunched over my laptop trawling the Internet for more information even when I've finished my timetabled "classes".

Throughout the summer and the upcoming academic year, posts will pop up now and again detailing my first foray into what I think is by far the most exciting area of science, as well as my observations on the wider field from a novice’s standpoint. If the journey is successful, then my dream to kindle a career in geology might, one day, come true.

I'm incredibly excited to be setting off on this journey to the centre of the earth. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my posts as much as I’ll delight in recording my experiences. Wish me luck.

 TeenGeologist