Careers in Atmospheric and Earth-System Science

Ask people what they actually do

Go and talk to people working in the field, figure out what they do," says Castro. Any career requires more than just the ability to do the work. "It's important to find not only something that you can click with in terms of your profession but a community that you feel comfortable with socially. The only way you get a sense of that is by going and talking with people." Also, Castro adds, don't be afraid to take risks. "Sometimes you're going to fail, but you'll learn from your failures and grow more than if you always take the safe path. Your life may have more ups and downs. but it will be more rewarding in the end. That's what defines successful people."

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Never give up on your passion

If, like Aaron Pratt, you're among the first in your family to go for a higher education, "People will look at your money-earning potential and try to push you into something you're not interested in," he warns. In his case, some of his extended family members urged him to go into medicine or law. "They said, 'Doctors make a lot of money, you'd be set for life.' But I hate biology. "I'd say to younger readers who might see this, never give up on what you're passionate about. If your peers don't understand what you want to do, don't let that deter you. Keep pushing forward."

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Articulate your dreams

Determination is the key to success, says Waleska Rivera Rios. "As long as you make up your mind to do something, from the depth of your heart, you will reach that goal. You will do it. I make my students write about their dreams, what they want and where they want it, because once I did that myself, every single thing I wrote came true."

Rivera Rios has an extra word of advice for Latinos and Latinas who might follow in her footsteps: "Whoever speaks more than one language opens many doors." She grew up speaking only Spanish, but she began teaching herself English by watching mainland TV and talking to herself in a mirror. By the time she was in college, "I didn't feel scared by the language, and I could take up opportunities like SOARS."

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Find support while you're in high school

If you have an interest in weather and climate and can't find anyone else at school who does, seek outside support, says Casey Thornbrugh. "If students don't have an opportunity to put their interest to use, it's very easy to get discouraged. You think, 'Nobody cares about what I do.' " If you're in an urban area, he suggests, start looking for volunteer work at your local weather service office. If you're in a rural area or on the reservation, look for summer programs that you might apply for, even if they don't pay. They can keep your interest alive for the rest of the year, and you might find a mentor and further opportunities.

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