Management Of Our Ecosystem – The Goal Of My Career

Melting ice caps, famine, deforestration: too many tragedies prove we have a debt to pay to our phenomenal world, a task to evolve society towards sustainability. To belong to a community of such importance fills me with awe. Studying a subject where my interest is shared by experts sounds thrilling. Over the years, I became interested in climate, and the future of our planet leading me to read ‘The Revenge of Gaia’ by James Lovelock. This book prompted me to take part in a Model UN conference about Climate Change, where I wrote about the impacts and effects on climate change in Ethiopia, winning the prize for best position paper. This opportunity deepened my desire to become a partaker in finding solutions.

My interest in the management of our ecosystem spurred me to look into internships. As an intern at Imperial College’s Royal School of Mines Earth Science and Engineering Department, I was exposed to advanced equipment such as a compass clinometer. I enjoyed using this equipment to measure the orientation of channels of various horizons from the seabed of the Caspian Sea, from which I constructed a rose diagram. This aided me to ascertain whether the channels affected the shape of the seabed. In addition, I interpreted the seabed of the Niger Delta using the software Decision Space. I spent many days picking the seabed, until I could construct a 3D interpretation of part of the seabed including its various channels, which I found exciting. Through this experience, I applied some of my geological knowledge to explain the complexities of the earth. Especially studying the extraction of oil in Niger Delta, was stimulating, but not being able to see how its extracted and the oil seabed was disappointing. I crave for such hands-on opportunities.

Conducting research at Walton on the Naze, I learnt many sampling techniques, methods of representing data and evaluated various equipments. These multidisciplinary approaches are needed when pursuing the study of geological processes. This fieldwork gave me the freedom to collect data independently to support geographical theories, gaining an appreciation of how theoretical systems translate into the real world, spurring my interest to discover more about the world we live in. My current studies provide me with a mix of creativity and a level of technicality. Geography has developed my skills in analytical research, such as government energy policies and source analysis. This has provided me with a good basis of understanding for my degree. English Literature has improved my skills in critical thinking and essay writing, which will be essential when reporting fieldwork. These subjects have encompassed me with creativity, an attribute that could potentially help me find alternative ways to solve geological problems. As an active member of Pencils of Promise club, I now appreciate the value of volunteering, impacting lives and establishing community relationships for the betterment of society. This aligns with practices in geography when thinking about societal impacts and effects; thus, I foresee my interpersonal and team building experiences becoming useful. Recently, I competed in the Peterhouse Cambridge essay competition. Having to meet deadlines, allowed me to exercise my time management and think abstractly. Also, the Jack Petchey speak out challenge encouraged me to have a public voice, bracing me for presentations in university. Whilst taking part in the National Citizen Service programme, I worked in a team of twelve to overcome challenges, such as learning how to cook and financial budgeting. This experience has improved my teamwork and communication skills, which will be beneficial when carrying out fieldwork. Moreover, I took part in the Crest Beat the Flood Challenge, where I designed various models of flood-resistant homes and earned a CREST discovery award. I enjoyed applying my geographical knowledge and using creative approaches to develop realistic solutions.

Sustainability as a concept is debated by many saying “Why should we care about the Earth… God will take care of the Earth.” These dispiriting words, by Mother Theresa, were credited in Lovelock’s book. However, Mother Theresa, I disagree. If we fail to look after the Earth, it will surely look after itself by making us unwelcome. I aspire to use my degree to convey the importance to act on geographical issues, before the ramifications of our actions become calamitous.