December 5, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR LAUREN BATTE IN MD
Writing is a key skill for a multitude of professions, science ones
included. Because writing is a primary form of communication, an
ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing is less of a
choice than a necessity.

As for "fields of science" that you might consider to make use of
writing skills, might I suggest that you pursue a scientific discipline
that peeks your interest and then when you are looking for jobs,
consider applying your scientific training as a professional
communicator. Communicators can do any number of jobs from technical
writers to media relations to government affairs to management positions
that all deal with the science that you love.

For example, my training is in marine science and biology but now I work
for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a Legislative
affairs specialist. I write ALL THE TIME about scientific topics. Just
one idea...there are many more I'm sure.

A: FROM MENTOR ALYSON FLETCHER IN CA
To go to a university and study 3D animation would involve you
studying computer graphics. This is part of computer science.
Unfortunately (based on what you are saying), this does require
a lot of math. I am a student at Berkeley, and I was the teaching
assistant for a pre-computer science class (a class students take
to get into the computer science major). The students have to
take a year of calculus and one semester each of differential equations,
matrix algebra, and discrete math. I would not be discouraged though
if I were you. I actually ended up studying physics and math in
college, and I found algebra really hard when I was a freshman in high
school! I think different types of advanced math can seem easy - depending
on the person. Calculus isn't harder than algebra. It is just different.

Also, another alternative for you would be to study 3D animation
or computer graphics at a place like "The Art Institute of San
Francisco" or any other good artistic/technical school. There are
some very good programs like that that are less mathematical. They would
not be university programs though, you would have to know that is what
you want to study coming into the program, but they would lead quickly
and very specifically to a computer graphics job.

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A: FROM MENTOR LESLIE WAITE IN CA
Hi Lauren!
This is not really a direct answer to your question, but a comment
that I think is important for you to consider. Don't give up on math!
Just because it takes work doesn't mean that you aren't good at it.

I think that before High School, kids who are average or above in
smarts find most subjects pretty easy without a whole lot of work.
Then, when you get into the higher grades, the subjects can become
more challenging, especially math and science. For a lot of people,
the fact that they have to work really hard to understand
something-like math-while other things still come easily-like
writing-leads them to believe that they are not good at math. THIS IS
NOT TRUE!! Just because something takes work for you to understand
does not mean you are not good at it! And it may take a LOT of work.
When I was in High School, my math homework could literally bring me
to tears. It was so hard, and I just didn't get it! But frequently if
I took a break and calmed myself down, I could go back and try again,
and eventually I would get it. And after a while, I realized that I
could do math, and I WAS good at it if I just gave myself the chance.

So don't assume that if something does not come easily to you that
you are not good at it. Do you think that Venus and Serena Williams
had those powerful backhands that first time they picked up a tennis
racket? Or that Tiger Woods hit below par the first time he played
golf? Even though they were gifted, they had to work at it and
practice. When it comes to being good at something, knowledge is no
different than sports. You have to practice and build your skills and
it IS hard work. But it gets easier and you get better at it if you
work on it.

Good luck!
Leslie

December 3, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR DIANA DIONISIO IN CA
Well, dimensions in 3d animation have to do with math. All sciences require math. I don't think this is what you want to hear. Most science majors require at least 1 yr of college calculus.