Lucía Jimenez
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About me
About me
I was born and raised in San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán in 1999, which makes me the oldest sibling of three.
I was a curious and mischievous child. I would create potions with everything I could grab, or during the summers I spent in the Tafi del Valle, me and my cousin would explore the valley, jump fences, and build shelters.
My curiosity also led me to devour every book I could find; I love hearing about new stories, new worlds, and new perspectives. I remember while reading Harry Potter, I decided to base my personality on Hermione Granger. For my 7-year-old self, we had enough things in common: intelligence and a long mane of brown hair.
Where I am from
Where I am from
Tucumán is know as the "Garden of the Republic" because of the quantity and variety of plants full of colorful flowers.
Different landscapes in the province of Tucumán.
What I do
What I do
I'm a geology student at the Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML, which forms part of the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT).
Botanic Garden, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML
How I ended up studying rocks?
How I ended up studying rocks?
If you go through my earliest childhood drawings, you will find a lot of prehistoric creatures, such as dinosaurs, trilobites, and ammonites that I would copy from my father’s paleontology book. Even though I could not understand a word because it was written in English, I would stare at it for hours. So, by the ripe age of six, I had decided that I would become a geologist, just like my father. The career's aim is mostly unknown so every time someone would ask me: “What do you want to be as a grown-up?”, the answer would always be confusing for them.
Ups and downs
Ups and downs
Finally, in 2018, I started university. Soon I discovered how broad this discipline is: from the formation of the tiniest crystals to that of our solar system.
I realized that I had made the right decision, but also, that it was an overwhelming change. First of all, I did not know anyone. Secondly, everything moved so fast; every week we would start a new topic and I could not keep up with the pace. When I finally overcame my shyness and found those who today are my friends, I discovered two lessons: things are easier when you help each other, and I was not the only one that was quite lost.
Me and my friends in my last birthday party.
Someone to look up to
Someone to look up to
A huge part of my success is due to my mother and what she has taught me.
A huge part of my success is due to my mother and what she has taught me.
My parents have always encouraged me to study and get a degree; it was their way to get a better life. When I was born, neither of them had finished their university studies yet. Only my dad got his degree, while my mum dropped college and started to work teaching Math. Because my dad’s work requires him to be away for long periods of time, my mum would take care of everything: the housework, the bills, and the upbringing of three children.
When we grew older, she decided to complete her studies.Not only did she earn her degree in record time, but she did it while working 8 hours daily. At 7 am, she used to drive my brother and I to school; then at 8 am she would go to work.At noon, she would return home with my brother, have lunch and then drive my sister to school. Then, she would come back to work until 6 pm, and go to the university until 10 pm.
Her willpower and dedication are admirable. Whatever she sets her mind on will be achieved. She truly is a force of nature, a strong and kind woman. I aspire to be like her, or at least have a little of her willpower and persistence.
"She truly is a force of nature, a strong and kind woman. I aspire to be like her, or at least have a little to her willpower and persistence"
"She truly is a force of nature, a strong and kind woman. I aspire to be like her, or at least have a little to her willpower and persistence"
What it takes
What it takes
A reflection on leadership
A reflection on leadership
The most basic definition of a leader is someone who controls or leads a group of people. They guide the group towards a common goal, distribute tasks, and act as mediators between different actors.
I have found thousands of blogs, articles, and books about how to be a good leader. In my opinion, you learn through your experiences.
However, I do believe that it takes a lot of empathy, patience, and perseverance to be able to direct a group of people.
Am I a leader?
Am I a leader?
Although I'm not entirely sure, I know that is something that you can learn and improve with practice. As I said, I see myself in Hermione Granger, who is a supporting character in the Harry Potter series.
Even though she isn't the protagonist, nobody can deny her importance in the story; I would argue that without her Harry and Ron would have died in the first book.
In some ways, I want to be a side character because I feel comfortable being outside the spotlight, offering help and working on getting things done. However, when the situation warranted it I took the lead.
Maybe it's all about finding the balance between leading or stepping back depending on what is best for the team.
What is next?
What is next?
The next goal
The next goal
My short-term goal is to get my degree in Geology.
If everything goes well, this year I will be able to realize professional experiences in SEGEMAR, whose acronym stands for Servicio Geológico Minero Argentino (in English Argentine Geological Mining Service).
In a few years...
In a few years...
My dream job is working for YPF back in my country.
After a few years working, I would like to apply to grad school at IUPUI or Purdue University in order to get a master's degree in Environmental Geology. In Argentina there are several environmental issues, such as deforestation, pollution of soil and water, and the destruction of whole habitats. I believe that in order to create adequate environmental policies, it is necessary to have an integral understanding of the ecosystem.
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