<p>So basically, I am obsessed with weather. Its strange. I know. I don’t really have a logical reason to be obsessed (it’s not like a tornado destroyed my house or anything…), but I am.</p>
<p>Since I have worked at the National Weather Service the last 2 summers, it would make the most sense to talk my experiences in this field (its certainly original…). The only problem is, I’m having a tough time making it seem legitimate.</p>
<p>My dad suggested that I focus on the climate change issue of meteorology (something along the lines of that I have seen firsthand the receding glaciers it it really upsets me…), but they always say that college admissions people can tell when your own voice isn’t being articulated. How legitimize my interests/experiences in the field of meteorology without just sounding like someone who thinks the weather is ‘cool’?</p>
<p>it depends on how much experience you have had with the national weather service. it sounds like you are committed to working there, and even if you don’t want to be a meterologist, it still sounds like its a hobby/passion of yours.
i don’t think you should focus on the climate change issue of meterology, because its not really about YOU personally. try and start off with a story of something memorable that happened while working at the national weather service, and maybe relate it to a strength of yours (without directly spelling out the strength if that makes sense).
PM the first draft if you want, i’d be interested to see how this turns out.
good luck.</p>
<p>If you truly are passionate about weather, I believe you can write about that passion without getting “political”. In other words, I would actually steer away from climate change issues as the scientific community’s thoughts around that and the causes are constantly in flux. Your ideas may change dramatically after taking college coursework in it, too. Mine certainly did, although when I was a college freshman, climate experts were talking about the coming ice-age instead of global warming. And that really wasn’t THAT long ago… </p>
<p>I changed my major from Fisheries and Wildlife Biology to Agronomy (including Meteorology) after taking a Meteorology course (“Clouds 206”) as an elective, largely due to my fascination with tornado footage (we watched A LOT of it in that class!). I later concentrated on the Crop Science aspect of Agronomy, rather than the Met., but I still have that same love and passion for all areas of natural sciences. Weather still holds my fascination. In your essay, try to articulate your passion. Where does it come from? Are you just mesmerized by the power of nature, are you fascinated with the process of formation of hailstorms, etc. Then I would suggest concentrating on explaining how you will use your training in the future - to better local communities with storm predictions for less loss of life and property, to work with engineers to better humanity with safer roads and bridges in flood zones, etc. Be sure to incorporate your work at the NWS and explain how that has influenced your desires to study this field.</p>
<p>If you are passionate about your subject, it will come through. You are right on target in thinking it has to be from within yourself to come across as legitimate. </p>
<p>Good luck, and I wish you the best as a futute Meteorologist, maybe even in my area of the world!</p>
<p>PS - Just read anonymous550’s post: Great advice as well!</p>
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