Earlier in the week, Rob posted an open letter to the high school students who visited the lab to participate in a research opportunity studying face mites.
He reflected on how his teenage self perceived science, and how far off that perception was from the science he lives and breathes now. Go read it, if you haven’t already – he shares some important reminders for all of us, even those well beyond our teenage years.
Later on Twitter, Rob asked other scientists what they might say to the teenage version of themselves about a career in science.
Here’s a collection of tweets that came back – We’d love to add your voice to the conversation – tweet the hashtag #lessonsforstudents or share your insights in the comments below.
Don’t limit your interests: If you only explore the things you think you like, you will never discover the things you find you really love!
When I was in high school, taking all the art electives I could, I never imagined that I would end up as a scientist. The kids that aced AP Calculus, the valedictorians, the people who were headed to ivy league schools knowing they wanted to be doctors- those were the kids that I expected to become scientists. But as it turns out, being a scientist isn’t just about getting good grades in chemistry class. To me, being a scientist is mostly about curiosity. My curiosity drives me to answer interesting questions about the natural world. And that same drive got me through some of the harder science classes that I didn’t necessarily love… but that have now provided me with a foundation of understanding that allows me to keep asking and answering questions about life on Earth.