How Can a Physics Student Find Practical Experience During Summer Break?

[Gza]

And for that matter, why should anybody be separated into a specific group anyway?

I agree quark. People tend to look at me funny when I tell them I'm a physics major. It's like they expect me to be some puny little kid with glasses or something. I've played sports all my life, and have always never liked the title of jock. I equally disagree with the title "nerd." Most people tend to have some kind of sick facination with grouping individuals into categories to make it easier to understand and deal with them.

 

[Njorl]

I remember back in school, at the campus bar, I was talking to a girl and the subject of major came up. Usually I would get an uninspired "Oh, how interesting." and a quick brush off. This girl, instead, got very interested. She asked if I were going to be a gym teacher or a personal trainer or something like that. Being the bright boy that I was, I caught on that she thought I was a physical education major. Being the horny boy that I was, I noticed I did not get the brush off. I tried to run with it, talking about lats and quads and such. It was really amazing. Talking about quantum mechanics doesn't have any good opportunities for caressing a woman's thighs er... I mean quads. She caught on somewhere between glutes and pecs. She thought I was funny. She asked what my real major was. I told her. "Oh, how interesting."

Njorl

 

[cronxeh]

..nerds.. geeks.. everywhere!

how did i end up here

 

[quarkman]

...Usually I would get an uninspired "Oh, how interesting." and a quick brush off...

Yes, they would say that if you talk to them about science, but if you show others (not just girls) that you have a "real" (non-physics) sense of humor and other desireable qualities you would get much better reception. During undergrad lots of girls would flirt with me, and I would show them that I could actually carry a conversation with them and then when they would ask me what my major was...then I would get an "WOW that's amazing! I wish I could understand that kind of stuff." I think that when people see that you can be just like them, they are not afraid of what they do not know. They may even be interested, but too timid to look foolish in front of you. Just being personable gives much better results. Also, any girl who is only interested in you only for you major is a loser in my mind. They are just looking for some dumb guy to give them money when you graduate. I HATE girls like that.

 

[JohnDubYa]

Does it not bother you somewhat that the term was coined by groups of people who look down on those who study math and science? I could begin to name several 80's movies which have probably helped this term become common. I personally have a small problem with giving into this social pressure for those interested in science to perceive themselves as socially inferior or different in some manner. Who's to say that those applying the pressure are not abnormal and people interested in math and science are the normal people?

You keep referring to a group that merely likes math and science. You created that straw man. As I said before, *I* like math and science. I am talking about people who cannot partake in normal recreation because they can't put the book down. I don't think that's healthy from a social standpoint.

"Geek" is no different than "jock." And when someone tells me that they have no time to do anything other than work out at the gym, to me they are a jock. I think they are missing out on a lot in life. Geeks fall in the same trap.

Now, if someone wants to be a geek or jock, fine. I am suggesting that they should give the other side of life a try. It's all part of being a well-rounded individual. And I thought being well-rounded was GOOD.

I think everyone is equal and all people have some niche in the world, but there is no reason to permit an ill-intended slur such as "geek" to pervade into regular, accepted language.

I have no use for political correctness, so I am not swayed by your argument one iota.

And for that matter, why should anybody be separated into a specific group anyway?

You can ask that question the next time your job application asks you for your ethnic identity.

 

[quarkman]

You keep referring to a group that merely likes math and science. You created that straw man. As I said before, *I* like math and science. I am talking about people who cannot partake in normal recreation because they can't put the book down. I don't think that's healthy from a social standpoint.

I keep referring to a group which primarily enjoys math and science. I thought we had already agreed that it is important to do something other than your primary joy in life. I agree in taking a break, but maybe not in the same manner as you do. I do not think I have created any "straw man" in any way shape or form.

I have no use for political correctness, so I am not swayed by your argument one iota.

Who said anything about politically correct? I do not think that ill-intended slurs should become accepted language. For me, politically correct would imply the use of a term such as "scientifically advanced" or some stupid term. What about accepting the terms scientist, physicist, or mathematician? These are already decent terms that have no negative connotations. Or, for that matter, maybe Bob, Jill, Frank, Helen, or anybody's appropriate name?