6 August 2004
Amie Garcia
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, South Dakota
Dear National Science Foundation,
I would like to express my appreciation for funding and support of my research experience this summer at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The experiences I have gained this summer have opened my eyes to see what my life could be like as a scientist in the future.
In the fall, I will be entering my junior year at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and continuing with my major in geology. I have not taken very many geology classes yet, but I enjoyed mineralogy so when I heard I would be working on pegmatites I was thrilled. I have seen a few pegmatites at school in the Black Hills, but didn't know much about them.
My advisor, Dr. Michael Wise, has taught me more about pegmatites then I would have ever learned in a class. Pegmatites really are the coolest rocks out there. He also has made me more confident with myself, and my abilities. I feel like I have accomplished something, and have gained a lot of understanding as to what geologists do as professionals. There are so many exciting things out there to discover, and I want to be a part of it too. I would love to discover a new mineral, and be able to say that I named a new species.
The whole mineral science department here at the Smithsonian has been friendly and informative as well. I have been approached by so many different people wanting to help me and give me advice like: searching for graduate schools, local entertainment, and some even invited me to their homes. It really has been great getting to know some of the greatest geologists in the field.
My experience with this summer internship has molded me into a new person.
When I get back to school I feel like I am going to be one step ahead of a
lot of my fellow students. I am also leaning towards achieving a career in
mineralogy or pegmatology. Minerals are so important in our everyday lives
that it's important to learn as much as we can about them.
I am deeply great full to you for allowing me to have this wonderful research
experience. I was surprised to be chosen, but extremely excited. Now, I will
walk away from this with an experience of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Amie Garcia
Research Training Program, 2004