become a paleontologist

I had the pleasure of traveling to Manhattan with my girlfriend and her family this past weekend, allowing me to visit one of the most hallowed institutions in the realm of paleontology – the American Museum of Natural History. I spent the bulk of my time at the museum scrutinizing the ancient mammal and dinosaur halls, which boasted some genuinely fascinating displays. Although the visit did not provide any revelatory insight into my professional future, it did reinforce a sense of awe and wonder that inspires me to continue pursuing paleontology as a career. The intellectual giants that the AMNH employs – Michael Novacek, Niles Eldridge, Mark Norell – work within the same complex as I was standing. I am giddy just thinking about it.

Like many others, I’ve been interested in paleontology from a young age. I find this field remarkable because it combines so many disciplines and that there is always more out there to discover. Simply stated, to contribute significantly to the paleontological world would fufill my life. Becoming a paleontologist overshadows every other goal I have, I just hope I can pull it off…

I’ve wanted to be a paleontologist since I was 3.
I’m a sophmore in college…almost there.

This has been my dream for my entire life. I’ve wanted to do this since I could say the word (which was… probably about three).

((I’ve seen Sue :)

I’ve wanted to do this since I was 5, and I still do. I have my school picked out, and have gone to every paleontological site that is close to me. I even got to see Sue when they had her here on tour! I would love to go on a real dig, and my mom promises that she will take me on one real soon!! I can’t wait until I graduate and get to college!!