REFLECTIONS

Surprisingly, I found this portion of the project to be the most difficult. The process of choosing a hurricane and collecting data, although time consuming, was very interesting and educational. Organizing and sharing my thoughts on the assignment is not.

The turning point in the process was Lee’s clarification as to the project’s audience. Instead of pursuing what would most likely have been a rather dry regurgitation of the principles and technology contained in the first two lessons, I had the opportunity (and burden) of writing a piece that someone might actually enjoy reading. My professional writing style tends to be factual, delivered deliberately and lacking embellishment. Such a style was inconsistent with my goal of creating an article that others would (hopefully) enjoy reading. As I wrote, I chose to present Charley’s story to my wife, a strategy that helped me to focus on presenting the information in a way that someone who hadn’t read the material could understand and appreciate.

The research project clearly enhanced my understanding of the materials in the first two lessons.  As I began writing, I discovered that my comprehension of the materials was not adequate to enable me to explain it to someone else. I kept needing to return to the lesson materials as I introduced each new analysis or piece of technology. Perhaps I had focused too much on reading the materials in context of the quizzes, or had displayed too much of a "to-do list" attitude, instead of seeing the larger picture. I have come to realize that the true test of comprehension is the ability to explain a concept to someone who isn't familiar with the topic and to do so in an accurate and interesting manner.  I intend to adopt a different strategy with the upcoming lessons.

I am not completely sure why I have such a fascination with meteorology or why I am eager to pursue the Certificate.  When I enrolled, I didn't have a particular goal in mind other than the sense of achievement and to enjoy the process.  Maybe it is because weather forecasting is a blend of technology and the drama of the human condition. What, more than the weather, has such a profound impact on each and every person on the planet?

I struggled for countless hours to weave the facts and project requirements into a compelling and visually appealing story -- I hope I did so.