Sarah E. Garrett
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, Virginia
Dear National Science Foundation,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your financial support of the 2002 Research Training Program (RTP) at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Without the financial assistance of the National Science Foundation, the RTP would be incapable of supporting the number of students currently participating.
The Research Training Program provides the perfect atmosphere for learning. Nested within the Smithsonian, twenty privileged students are able to see what it is like to be a research scientist. It is as though we have a private tutor teaching us a very specialized trade. Through this experience, we will gain valuable insight that will help guide us through graduate school or any other course we might take, and eventually lead us into the careers we have all set our goals on achieving.
By contributing funds toward the Research Training Program you are doing more than merely providing an opportunity for college students to learn. You are giving people, like myself, a lifetime experience that is priceless. Chances to participate in programs such as this are one in a million! You meet people who can advise you on your future aspirations and who can help you turn these aspirations into reality. Not only this, but lasting relationships develop from spending ten weeks with other students who are in the same ‘shoes’ as you.
I would also like to thank you for having one of your staff members come and talk to us about the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. The RTP has provided my first exposure to the National Science Foundation, and it has been a great chance to learn about the many opportunities you offer.
I would like to commend you on your strong dedication to helping the scientists of tomorrow achieve their goals today. It is impressive in every way to see an organization so giving!
Sincerely Grateful,
Sarah E. Garrett
Research Training Program, 2002