Final Week (7/17-71/18)
Monday (7/17): We had our final field map exam all day on Monday. Our professors drove us to the mapping area where we were given six hours to map. We were not allowed to talk to other students, and our professors would not answer any questions. This was truly a test of how much we had learned over the past 6 weeks of field camp. It was nerve-wracking, but we each had to trust in our knowledge and trust our gut. Once the field portion was over, we went to a classroom at Snow College in Ephraim to work on our map, cross section, and lithologic descriptions. The day flew by, and before I knew it I had completed the assignment.
Everyone at the final field map exam.
Tuesday (7/18): We had our final written exam on Tuesday morning. Once this was complete, we had to clean our apartments, clean the vans, and pack up. Just like that, field camp was over.
***
The last six and a half weeks have been the most influential and memorable weeks of my undergraduate studies. Even though they were also some of the hardest and most difficult weeks, I look back at everything I learned and gained and I am incredibly thankful that I had the opportunity to have this experience. I am incredibly proud of myself and my fellow students. We worked hard and pushed through all of the obstacles that came our way. I can officially say I feel like a geologist, which is extremely exciting. I will undoubtedly use the skills and knowledge I gained at field camp in my future. I cannot emphasize enough how much I learned and gained from this experience. Even though I was ready to go home after the 6 weeks in Utah, I am sad that it’s over.
I want to give a huge thank you to our instructors. We were very lucky to have such involved and helpful professors and TAs. It’s a lot of hard work to come out to Utah each summer, and all of your dedication and work is appreciated.
Advice for future field campers:
- Go into it with an open mind and willingness to learn. It won’t be exactly what you expect, and that’s okay. You will learn more, hike more, and work more than you ever thought you were capable of. There will be an adjustment period, but you will survive!
- Keep a positive attitude. Having a positive attitude is extremely vital. When you start to become discouraged and negative, it’s tough to come back from. It’s easy to do, but you have to remember that you are at field camp to learn, not to be perfect. I would be lying if I said I was always positive. There were times when I was very frustrated, but I had to take a step back and remind myself that I am a student, not a professional geologist. Mistakes will be made (I made tons of them!), and that’s okay! All that matters is you learn from them and move on.
- Make friends and be social with the group. The friends I made at field camp are some of the best friendships I have. Everyone is experiencing the same frustration, confusion, and nervousness, so embrace it together.
- Ask questions! The professors are always willing to help. Don’t be shy! Take advantage of their knowledge because the advice they give you will help you learn.
- You will not know what is going on when you arrive at a mapping area for the first time. No one does! Don’t worry about it, instead just move forward and work. The geology will make itself clear with time.
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience. You get to go to some of the most beautiful areas in the country while at field camp. Take advantage of it and make the time you have in Utah memorable.