How to Fall Back in Love With Geology

I was born and raised in New York City, but I spent my summers in the mountainous wilds of New Jersey where I was free to wander the wilderness of the Ramapo Mountains. I spent most of my time along the brooks (small rivers) constructing small boats of twigs and watching them navigate the currents and eddies of the flowing waters, up-turning rocks to see what creatures lay underneath and then smashing the rocks to see the molds of creatures that once existed.

When I was eight my mother took me with her to spend the summer in Norway with my grandmother. There I discovered another world, the world of the rocky intertidal and cold, shallow, crystal-clear marine waters of the Norwegian coast. Pity is given to all the creatures that, because of my curiosity, gave their lives to become part of my collection of marine life.

The spark first generated in the wilds of New Jersey burst into flames – a flame that still burns to this day: I knew I wanted to be a scientist and explore the wonders of our earth.

What are some of my other lifeinspiring experiences?

A big one is seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time and then hiking down it – and right then and there truly contemplating the enormity of time and the amazing evolution of life.

Another biggie was sitting wells (in the wilds of Wyoming) and listening to the singing of the drill string as it encountered and cut through porous and permeable hydrocarbon-filled pay: such sweet music.

Image Caption

A younger but just as in-love-with-geology Randi Martinsen.

Please log in to read the full article

I was born and raised in New York City, but I spent my summers in the mountainous wilds of New Jersey where I was free to wander the wilderness of the Ramapo Mountains. I spent most of my time along the brooks (small rivers) constructing small boats of twigs and watching them navigate the currents and eddies of the flowing waters, up-turning rocks to see what creatures lay underneath and then smashing the rocks to see the molds of creatures that once existed.

When I was eight my mother took me with her to spend the summer in Norway with my grandmother. There I discovered another world, the world of the rocky intertidal and cold, shallow, crystal-clear marine waters of the Norwegian coast. Pity is given to all the creatures that, because of my curiosity, gave their lives to become part of my collection of marine life.

The spark first generated in the wilds of New Jersey burst into flames – a flame that still burns to this day: I knew I wanted to be a scientist and explore the wonders of our earth.

What are some of my other lifeinspiring experiences?

A big one is seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time and then hiking down it – and right then and there truly contemplating the enormity of time and the amazing evolution of life.

Another biggie was sitting wells (in the wilds of Wyoming) and listening to the singing of the drill string as it encountered and cut through porous and permeable hydrocarbon-filled pay: such sweet music.

It seemed it always was in the middle of the night – but that never diminished the excitement of the experience. I’m sure most of you could tell similar stories about how you first fell in love with geology and the geosciences when you were young. Maybe it was hiking in the mountains, or perhaps finding unusual rocks scattered along a shoreline.

It mattered, to all of us. It’s who we are. And it’s what still fuels our professional passion.


During the several downturns that have occurred since I first went to work – and also sometimes during the upturns when things weren’t going so well for me work-wise – I have thought back to how and why I became a geologist.

These memories always have helped me through the hard times.

I use my memories to reconnect with my “inner child” and all the “childish joys” I have been fortunate enough to experience in my life. Doing this helps get me out of the doldrums, which in turn helps me find the energy and motivation I need to get through my difficult times and move forward.

Yes, times are hard now – especially for those who have been laid off or for those young people about to graduate and need a job. And I don’t want to imply that getting in touch with your “inner child” will solve the problem of having lost your job. Not at all.

Perhaps, however, being reminded of the positive awe that we felt when we were young can still have an impact. Perhaps reconnecting with your “inner child” may help you remember just why you chose geoscience for your professional life.

It may reinvigorate your passions. And perhaps it may help just a little to get you through this roller coaster ride.


Another thing I keep telling myself is “this too will pass,” and the boom times will be back. History tells us this is true.

In the meantime, we all have friends, colleagues and a great networking community within AAPG that we can reach out to for help and information about job opportunities.

Your AAPG staff and leadership are working hard to find ways and develop programs to help us through – until, during and after the next boom.

So stay connected – to AAPG, because that’s where your professional career can remain fresh and be revitalized, and to your inner child, because that’s the source of your inner strength.

Believe me, the adult inside of you will be grateful.

You may also be interested in ...