Finding Inspiration and Motivation to Pursue a Career in Science

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding inspiration and motivation to pursue a career in science, particularly in the context of personal struggles with self-doubt, competition, and concentration in studies. Participants share their feelings about their passion for science, especially astronomy, and seek encouragement and advice on how to overcome obstacles in their educational journey.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses feelings of being down and fears about entering the science field due to competition, seeking motivation and inspiration.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of considering which direction to take in their studies and career.
  • Some participants discuss their current educational level and interests, with one noting they are in 10th grade and have read science novels but lack formal study.
  • There is a suggestion to focus on mathematics for future studies, with one participant acknowledging a lack of interest in math but recognizing its necessity for physics.
  • A later reply discusses the varying levels of mathematical skill required in different fields of physics, suggesting that while some areas require strong math skills, others do not.
  • One participant encourages the idea that intelligence is malleable and can improve over time, stressing the importance of self-belief and determination in overcoming academic challenges.
  • Another participant shares a resource, recommending a book that discusses learning and self-esteem in the context of mathematics.
  • Some light-hearted suggestions are made about doing nice things for others as a way to uplift oneself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a common theme of seeking motivation and support, but there are differing views on the importance of mathematics in pursuing a career in science, as well as varying beliefs about intelligence and its development.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their current educational paths and the level of effort required in mathematics, highlighting the need for personal exploration in their studies. There are also references to personal feelings of inadequacy and the impact of competition on motivation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students in STEM fields, particularly those feeling uncertain about their abilities or career paths, as well as individuals seeking motivation and strategies for overcoming academic challenges.

ayush solanki
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Lately I have really been down. I fear if I will even be able to enter the science field. I really love science and always think about the outer space but I know that it's not enough. There is a lot of competition for this field. I want something motivating and inspirational to push me forward from my current state. Also I have trouble concentrating on my studies. Please help. Thank you.
 
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ayush solanki said:
I want something motivating and inspirational to push me forward from my current state.

ayush solanki said:
I really love science and always think about the outer space.

There you go.
 
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ayush solanki said:
Lately I have really been down. I fear if I will even be able to enter the science field. I really love science and always think about the outer space but I know that it's not enough. There is a lot of competition for this field. I want something motivating and inspirational to push me forward from my current state. Also I have trouble concentrating on my studies. Please help. Thank you.
I could use inspiration too its normal
 
ayush solanki said:
... push me forward from my current state.
You first have to consider which direction forward would be.
 
ayush solanki said:
Lately I have really been down. I fear if I will even be able to enter the science field. I really love science and always think about the outer space but I know that it's not enough. There is a lot of competition for this field. I want something motivating and inspirational to push me forward from my current state. Also I have trouble concentrating on my studies. Please help. Thank you.
What have you studied up to now, and at what level? Do you want to build and design, or do you want to understand?
 
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symbolipoint said:
What have you studied up to now, and at what level? Do you want to build and design, or do you want to understand?
I'm currently in 10th grade and have not studied basically but read some of the science novels, not the fiction ones. I would like to understand. About this universe, the reason behind it and much more things.
 
And thanks guys for the replies
 
ayush solanki said:
I'm currently in 10th grade and have not studied basically but read some of the science novels, not the fiction ones. I would like to understand. About this universe, the reason behind it and much more things.
Study as much Mathematics as you can handle for the next five years. You may be interested primarily in Physics and some Chemistry.
 
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symbolipoint said:
Study as much Mathematics as you can handle for the next five years. You may be interested primarily in Physics and some Chemistry.
Yeah I'll study more mathematics. And yes I'm really interested in physics and chemistry but not that much in mathematics, I do maths because I have to not because I want to and that's what is troubling me, since physics has a major portion of maths and I'll need immense skill in mathematics if I want to be a scientist.
 
  • #10
ayush solanki said:
Yeah I'll study more mathematics. And yes I'm really interested in physics and chemistry but not that much in mathematics, I do maths because I have to not because I want to and that's what is troubling me, since physics has a major portion of maths and I'll need immense skill in mathematics if I want to be a scientist.

An "immense" skill seems to be an overstatement. It really depends on the field. In some areas of theoretical physics, you will indeed need an immense skill in mathematics. In other areas, it is not so important. It is however necessary to become fluent and comfortable with mathematics. You will not need to knowledge of a mathematician, but you cannot do without math.

The good thing is that mathematics can be practiced. The more you do mathematics, the better you will be at it. I understand you don't like it. That's ok, you can perfectly be a physicist and dislike mathematics. I have met several good physicists who dislike mathematics. That does not mean you get to neglect it, that would be disastrous. Just put a lot of effort into mathematics like calculus and linear algebra and you'll be ok.
 
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  • #11
micromass said:
An "immense" skill seems to be an overstatement. It really depends on the field. In some areas of theoretical physics, you will indeed need an immense skill in mathematics. In other areas, it is not so important. It is however necessary to become fluent and comfortable with mathematics. You will not need to knowledge of a mathematician, but you cannot do without math.

The good thing is that mathematics can be practiced. The more you do mathematics, the better you will be at it. I understand you don't like it. That's ok, you can perfectly be a physicist and dislike mathematics. I have met several good physicists who dislike mathematics. That does not mean you get to neglect it, that would be disastrous. Just put a lot of effort into mathematics like calculus and linear algebra and you'll be ok.
Thanks a lot. This really helped me. I'll start practicing maths from now on, regularly.
 
  • #12
If there is a translated version of Hironaka Heisuke's "Joy of Learning", get the copy and read it. He is a Field-medalist, and he talks about how he approached the learning (although specifically in mathematics), keep firing his interest to the mathematics, and also dealing with how low self-esteem (compared to his calibers like Artin) and eventually making the learning and enthusiasm your own and not infiltrated by other sources like competition.
 
  • #13
do something nice for someone else. or "have a coke and a smile".
 
  • #14
mathwonk said:
do something nice for someone else. or "have a coke and a smile".
XD. Sure.
 
  • #15
One of the biggest problems facing today's generation of students is the misunderstanding that intelligence is a genetic predisposition, something that's set, and something that you can never change.

That's not true.

Intelligence is a malleable thing that can be improved over time. If you believe in yourself and just do the best you can, over time your intelligence will rise and you'll start to understand things you thought you never could.

As cheesy as this may sound, your determination and spirit will make a huge difference while you're studying and going through school. The reason I did better than most students my age, who have the same intelligence or maybe are even smarter than me, is because I believed in myself. Don't tell yourself "I'm not a math person," even if you don't like math, saying or thinking something like that is extremely detrimental to you. Keep your mind open, keep studying, if you need help seek it out. If you don't ask that question when it first appears, you will appear stupid later on for not asking it. Don't fear being "stupid" by asking that question now! Make mistakes! That's how you learn!

I guarantee you every smart person out there has made mistakes, and are still making mistakes! It's human nature, what's important is to recognize and accept these mistakes, then move on. Don't let them bog you down. Just remember, it's not about some genetic predisposition or something that someone else got at birth and you didn't. It's about your determination, your spirit, and how hard you want to work for it.

Here's a really cool video that may help you later on down the road and right now-



"If you want it badly enough, you can have it, provided you work hard for it."
 
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  • #16
Bumpeh said:
One of the biggest problems facing today's generation of students is the misunderstanding that intelligence is a genetic predisposition, something that's set, and something that you can never change.

That's not true.

Intelligence is a malleable thing that can be improved over time. If you believe in yourself and just do the best you can, over time your intelligence will rise and you'll start to understand things you thought you never could.

As cheesy as this may sound, your determination and spirit will make a huge difference while you're studying and going through school. The reason I did better than most students my age, who have the same intelligence or maybe are even smarter than me, is because I believed in myself. Don't tell yourself "I'm not a math person," even if you don't like math, saying or thinking something like that is extremely detrimental to you. Keep your mind open, keep studying, if you need help seek it out. If you don't ask that question when it first appears, you will appear stupid later on for not asking it. Don't fear being "stupid" by asking that question now! Make mistakes! That's how you learn!

I guarantee you every smart person out there has made mistakes, and are still making mistakes! It's human nature, what's important is to recognize and accept these mistakes, then move on. Don't let them bog you down. Just remember, it's not about some genetic predisposition or something that someone else got at birth and you didn't. It's about your determination, your spirit, and how hard you want to work for it.

Here's a really cool video that may help you later on down the road and right now-



"If you want it badly enough, you can have it, provided you work hard for it."

This really helped me. Thanks a lot.I feel more confident now. And more determined.
 
  • #17
Bumpeh said:
One of the biggest problems facing today's generation of students is the misunderstanding that intelligence is a genetic predisposition, something that's set, and something that you can never change.

That's not true.

Intelligence is a malleable thing that can be improved over time. If you believe in yourself and just do the best you can, over time your intelligence will rise and you'll start to understand things you thought you never could.

As cheesy as this may sound, your determination and spirit will make a huge difference while you're studying and going through school. The reason I did better than most students my age, who have the same intelligence or maybe are even smarter than me, is because I believed in myself. Don't tell yourself "I'm not a math person," even if you don't like math, saying or thinking something like that is extremely detrimental to you. Keep your mind open, keep studying, if you need help seek it out. If you don't ask that question when it first appears, you will appear stupid later on for not asking it. Don't fear being "stupid" by asking that question now! Make mistakes! That's how you learn!

I guarantee you every smart person out there has made mistakes, and are still making mistakes! It's human nature, what's important is to recognize and accept these mistakes, then move on. Don't let them bog you down. Just remember, it's not about some genetic predisposition or something that someone else got at birth and you didn't. It's about your determination, your spirit, and how hard you want to work for it.

Here's a really cool video that may help you later on down the road and right now-



"If you want it badly enough, you can have it, provided you work hard for it."


And the video was amazing too.
 

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