To: Hannah Griffith From: Temperance Brennan Subj: RE: Liked Your Book
Dear Hannah,
I'm glad that you enjoyed the book, and very glad to hear about your interest in forensic anthropology. It is an exciting and challenging field.
As far as pursing a career in forensic anthropology, I would consider a solid background in the sciences to be vital. The current minimum requirements necessary to become a forensic anthropologist include a BA in anthropology or a closely related field, a MA in anthropology, and generally a PhD in physical anthropology. I would begin by seeking out colleges with good anthropology and science programs.
I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about studying or working in this field. Please don't hesitate to ask.
To: Temperance Brennan From: Hannah Griffith Subj: Wow
Dear Dr. Brennan,
Wow. I can't believe you wrote back. I know you must be incredibly busy and I really appreciate you taking the time.
Is it okay to ask what may sound like a pretty silly question? Do you like working as a forensic anthropologist? I mean, the science of it sounds incredibly cool, and I like biology (so I assume I'd like anatomy, too), but it also sounds like it could be kind of depressing. Identifying murder and accident victims. And also occasionally kind of, well, gross.
To: Hannah Griffith From: Temperance Brennan Subj:
Dear Hannah,
Don't worry--there are no such things as silly questions.
In answer to your question, I like my job very much. Which does not mean that it is not difficult sometimes. One of the most important things to learn in this line of work is to be able to set your emotions aside during the course of the investigation. Many of the things we see here can be depressing and disturbing. But we counteract that by knowing that we are giving an identity to a victim and closure to a family, and perhaps bringing a killer to justice. That part's not depressing at all.
As for the 'gross' part--well, you get accustomed to that far more quickly than you might think.
Does your school offer anatomy? If it does, I would highly recommend taking it.
Sincerely, Dr. Temperance Brennan
P.S. The invitation to send questions (silly or otherwise) remains open.
To: Temperance Brennan From: Hannah Griffith Subj: Science and Stuff
Dear Dr. Brennan,
Neptune doesn't offer anatomy, but there's an advance bio class that kind of covers it. About six people take it every year (okay, maybe ten), mostly the science geeks. But I may as well admit that I'm a science geek and get it over with. There's physics, too, for seniors, but there's nothing that says I can't take both, especially if I drop history.
How hard is it to learn to set emotions aside? Because that sounds like something that would be easier to decide you were going to do than actually do.
Hannah
P.S. I'm probably going to go on sending questions until it's not okay, so please tell me if I'm overstaying my welcome.
Comments 20
From: Temperance Brennan
Subj: RE: Liked Your Book
Dear Hannah,
I'm glad that you enjoyed the book, and very glad to hear about your interest in forensic anthropology. It is an exciting and challenging field.
As far as pursing a career in forensic anthropology, I would consider a solid background in the sciences to be vital. The current minimum requirements necessary to become a forensic anthropologist include a BA in anthropology or a closely related field, a MA in anthropology, and generally a PhD in physical anthropology. I would begin by seeking out colleges with good anthropology and science programs.
I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about studying or working in this field. Please don't hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Dr. Temperance Brennan
Reply
From: Hannah Griffith
Subj: Wow
Dear Dr. Brennan,
Wow. I can't believe you wrote back. I know you must be incredibly busy and I really appreciate you taking the time.
Is it okay to ask what may sound like a pretty silly question? Do you like working as a forensic anthropologist? I mean, the science of it sounds incredibly cool, and I like biology (so I assume I'd like anatomy, too), but it also sounds like it could be kind of depressing. Identifying murder and accident victims. And also occasionally kind of, well, gross.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Hannah Griffith
Reply
From: Temperance Brennan
Subj:
Dear Hannah,
Don't worry--there are no such things as silly questions.
In answer to your question, I like my job very much. Which does not mean that it is not difficult sometimes. One of the most important things to learn in this line of work is to be able to set your emotions aside during the course of the investigation. Many of the things we see here can be depressing and disturbing. But we counteract that by knowing that we are giving an identity to a victim and closure to a family, and perhaps bringing a killer to justice. That part's not depressing at all.
As for the 'gross' part--well, you get accustomed to that far more quickly than you might think.
Does your school offer anatomy? If it does, I would highly recommend taking it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Temperance Brennan
P.S. The invitation to send questions (silly or otherwise) remains open.
Reply
From: Hannah Griffith
Subj: Science and Stuff
Dear Dr. Brennan,
Neptune doesn't offer anatomy, but there's an advance bio class that kind of covers it. About six people take it every year (okay, maybe ten), mostly the science geeks. But I may as well admit that I'm a science geek and get it over with. There's physics, too, for seniors, but there's nothing that says I can't take both, especially if I drop history.
How hard is it to learn to set emotions aside? Because that sounds like something that would be easier to decide you were going to do than actually do.
Hannah
P.S. I'm probably going to go on sending questions until it's not okay, so please tell me if I'm overstaying my welcome.
Reply
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