My Motivation to Get a Degree in Geography

Melting ice caps, famine, deforestation: numerous calamities depict our wrong doings in our phenomenal world, and the task we have to progress society towards sustainability. The ability to study a subject of profuse importance ignites me. The mere thought of belonging to a community where experts can help me to prosper in the field of geography 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 partake in a Model UN conference about Climate Change, where I wrote about the impacts and effects of 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 environmental management of the ecosystem spurred me to look into internships. As an intern at Imperial College’s Royal School of Mines Earth Science and Engineering Department this summer, I was exposed to advanced equipment such as a compass clinometer. I enjoyed using this apparatus to measure the orientation of various channels 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. After a few days, I was able to construct a 3D interpretation of part of the seabed including its various channels, which I found exciting. Through this experience, I was able to to apply some of my geological knowledge to explain the complexities of the earth. Studying the process towards the extraction of oil in the Niger Delta, was stimulating, however I crave for hands-on opportunities. Conducting research at Walton on the Naze, I learnt many sampling methods and evaluated various hypothesis; multidisciplinary approaches that are needed when studying physical systems. This fieldwork enabled me to collect data to support geographical theories, allowing me to translate conceptual systems into a reality.

My current studies provide me with a mix of creativity and technicality, skills which could help me solve geographical issues. Geography has developed my skills in analytical research, such as government energy policies and problem solving, providing 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 in report writing. As an active member of Pencils of Promise club, I appreciate the value of volunteering, impacting lives and establishing community relationships for the betterment of society. This aligns with practices in geography when considering societal impacts and effects; thus, I foresee my interpersonal experiences becoming useful. Recently, I competed in the Peterhouse Cambridge essay competition, and having to meet deadlines allowed me to exercise my time management and think creatively. Also, the Jack Petchey speak out challenge enhanced my public speaking, bracing me for presentations in university. Whilst taking part in the National Citizen Service programme, I worked in a team to overcome challenges, such as learning how to cook and financial budgeting; some instrumental skills to practice before my university experience. This experience has improved my teamwork and communication skills, which will be beneficial when carrying out fieldwork. I also 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 to develop realistic solutions.

For the future, I aspire to use my degree in Geography to convey the exigency to act on geographical issues, before the ramifications of our actions become disastrous. If we fail to take care of the Earth, it will surely take care of itself by making us no longer welcome.