My name is Shaun de Malmanche. Over the next three months, I will be sharing 8 posts with you all. I'm planning to complete a Bachelor of Science with a major in Animal Science or Biological Science. This is my first paper at University and I'm excited to get started.
The name is French, but I'm a Kiwi, and yes, a lot of people have trouble pronouncing my name. I've been alive for 29 years. I live in Palmerston North and grew up on a farm just out of Palmerston North, in Taikorea. I'm the father of two wonderful girls, Haylie and Emily, 10 and 5 respectively. I've been with my partner, Christine for over 10 years now. She is my rock and an amazing inspiration to me. She recently quit her job and started a course at UCOL to become a builder. She's now working full time as an apprentice, helping to build houses in a new section on the edge of Palmerston North. She has inspired me to finally complete papers at Massey and work to get a degree.
Since Haylie was young, I've always tried to instil life lessons through scientific means. Children are natural born scientists; always asking questions, wondering why or how something works or why or how something does something. I myself have always been a "fan" of science. I enjoy watching documentaries, and commentaries on science, such as Brian Cox, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Carl Sagan, Bill Nye and David Attenborough.
I also enjoy reading well-written science books. Sometimes, they can be a bit boring and dry, which can seem as though the writer doesn't understand, or enjoy, the topic they're writing about. I'm part way through "The Art of Science" by Richard Hamblyn, but have had to put it down to start studying for this course. I think this course in Communication can help me to become a better communicator, as well as appreciate other talented scientific communicators a little more.
I have worked at Massey University for a little over 7 years now, as a Technician with IVABS. My main role has been running the feed mill, making specialty diets for research trials and wildlife centres and zoos across New Zealand. I also help to run trials here. I want to take on more in my role and get more into the formulation of diets and more of the data side of things. I think a degree in science will help me to realize these ambitions.
My strengths are my passion for science and learning, my English and writing skills. My weakness is definitely my anxiety around public speaking. I am much better at communication through writing than talking. My ideas can sometimes become a bit confused when speaking, as my partner knows all too well.
You will be hearing from me over the next three months as I share my experience with you all.
"Together we can save the world!" - [Nye, 2017]
5 comments:
Hey Shaun,
I'll be honest I'm not sure I can pronounce the last name, and now you mentioned it, when I read it I read it in the French accent.
I'm honest when I say I haven't done a lot or read a lot within the realm of sciences, so I'm looking forward to the information you share along the way.
Your job sounds really interesting and I can understand why you'd want to further the education to get deeper into it.
I'm with you on the whole public speaking thing, I'm fine with a small group of people I know, but I can't think of anything worse than standing in front f a group I don't know and explain something or give a speech. But, that's why we are here, to improve on those weaknesses.
The current report group is looking good and looking forward to working alongside you.
Ryan
Hi Shaun,
I was wondering about the name lol mines dutch though I've never been to Holland and cannot speak the language.
I am glad you have writing skills to bring to the team as I cannot spell to save myself however I can gladly stand up in front of people and convince them what I am saying is right. The key I find is to say it with confidence and people will start to doubt their own opinions.
I am so jealous of your job, I would love to work with animals though maybe at a distance and researching their food and diet plans sounds really interesting. I hope that studying with science will allow you to follow your path to take on more in your current job role.
Thanks for sharing this amazing introduction with us :)
Jade.
Thanks Ryan and Jade.
This does seem like a good team so far.
My job can be interesting at times. Mostly hard, physical work. It can be rewarding at times though, especially being in contact with the wildlife centres and getting their feedback about the birds. Helping to support the Takahe and Teal populations in New Zealand is rewarding in itself.
I feel confident going into this course with this team.
I look forward to working with you all.
Kia ora Shaun,
I'll jump on the bandwagon from the above comments and say your last name did indeed catch me in an off guard position, thanks for clearing it up :) !
I believe we are all have our fields of expertise for this paper and it's with great relief I saw yours is in resource gathering, adding another diverse skill to our very strong group.
Look forward to working with you in future assignments,
Nate
Hey Shaun,
I'll also comment on your name! It's an awesome name and its so cool to see that we have some diversity within the group, you with your french name, Jade having a Dutch name and I'll chuck in there that my name is Irish.
I think we all bring a large range of skills to this team and it will be awesome to work with you this semester!
Bridget
Post a Comment