On a trip to the National Weather Center almost 2 years ago, I was given a call to action by the renowned severe weather expert Chuck Doswell. In a lecture, I was told to take "ownership" of my education and make the things that I learn my own. Since that day so many things have happened.
I've now come to understand the fundamental concept of scientific meteorology, which is seeing the atmosphere as a 4-dimensional physical system. Without this perspective the fundamental equations, forecasting, and other topics would seem as ambiguous as Egyptian without a Rosetta stone. Beyond the sometimes drama filled world of meteorology, each lecture is a journey through its own world, and paints an image of that system for the mind to see and appreciate fully.
At this point in my science I have also come to realize that not every part of the scientific community is perfect. Meteorology is esoteric, but not impossible for the curious person to learn, and experts can either help or hinder the process of that illumination. As I have matured I have come to realize that consensus, presentations, and other expressions of the Intellegensia's grandeur aren't the force that makes discoveries happen. They instead come from the natural world, a world that some people forget at times, but it is there to explore a lifetime in.
Reflecting on Doswell's words and the events that I have been a part of, much of what he alluded to was indeed a fact. However I have grown upon such advice and realized what makes me a person isn't a set of scientists pontificating on a gilded hill of prestige. It is my faith and the road of curiosity that make me who I am and will bring me to where I'll find true love and the best way to advance atmospheric science.
Have a pleasant day,
Justin Reid
