Drew Lee
Geologist
CA State Agency
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Attended an oppressive private catholic highschool where I was forced to get along with many types.
Used music as an emotional outlet following HS, and thought I wanted to be a music teacher.
I dropped out of music school due to poor grades / motivation; then began to work retail jobs.
Got kicked out of my parents house and followed a bad relationship to the ghetto.
Went back to junior college after 4 years of guitar playing and retail jobs in order to leave the ghetto.
Returned to music school but was diagnosed with panic disorder 10 years after HS due to stress associated with return to music school.
Switched to geology, panic attacks end, got my Bachelors and stayed for my Masters.
Now I get paid to roam the CA desert and study the earth. :)
Education
High School
Bachelor
California State University-Long Beach
California State University-Long Beach
Career
Geologist
I assist in the negotiations between mining and geothermal companies with the state of CA regarding resource extraction leases and permits.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Science
Writing
Working with Others
Day to Day
Writing and correcting professional letters and memos. Keeping up to date on resource extraction technologies and other alternatives for renewable energy. Using GIS applications for spatial studies. Visiting mining and geothermal companies throughout California. Inspecting abandoned mine features within the California desert. Chatting with co-workers. Enjoying the ocean breeze.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Have a keen interest in nature, and get the prerequisite math and science classes out of the way ASAP.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"I should get up and do something with my life."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Panic Disorder
