Why Is Physics So Fascinating to Me?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a college freshman's anxiety about articulating their passion for physics during an upcoming meeting with a professor regarding a research position. The individual expresses a desire to convey their genuine interest without trivializing the subject, fearing that common descriptors like "beautiful" or "cool" may undermine their seriousness. Participants emphasize that it is acceptable to express enthusiasm for physics as something "cool" and encourage the freshman to embrace their interest without overthinking their responses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of physics concepts and terminology.
  • Familiarity with academic research processes.
  • Knowledge of effective communication strategies in academic settings.
  • Awareness of common interview dynamics in research discussions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice articulating personal interests in physics through mock interviews.
  • Research effective communication techniques for academic discussions.
  • Explore the significance of passion in scientific research and its impact on career development.
  • Learn about common research topics in physics to better engage with professors.
USEFUL FOR

College students, aspiring physicists, and anyone preparing for academic interviews who seeks to effectively communicate their passion for science and research.

quantum_smile
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Hi all,

So I have a seemingly trivial problem. I'm a freshman in college right now and I'm going to be talking to a professor about a possible research position. I'm honestly extremely interested in the research he's doing and I love physics and am completely devoted to it.
The problem is that I have no idea how to put in words why I'm interested in physics. I just am. I feel like so many people say that it's "beautiful" or "cool," but if I describe physics that way, I feel like I'm trivializing physics to a game that I don't take seriously. I'm probably going to be asked why I'm interested in his research in particular, in addition to several other things. I'm generally pretty anxious about social interactions, and I feel so uncomfortable with the possibility that I won't know what to say and that I'll end up seeming not only socially incompetent but also not genuinely interested in his work.

I'm not sure exactly what I'm asking for other than advice about what I might say or perhaps simply how to stop taking what I say so seriously. Help? :/
 
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A lot of people are like this, believe it or not. It's perfectly fine to say you enjoy learning about something because it's "cool". If it's cool, it's cool. I mean, really, why does ANYONE study physics other than because it's cool?
 

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