The Mad Scientist Part Duex

Just about everyone in my family knows I call my brother-in-law the “Mad Scientist.” I say this because we all have nicknames for one another, and because I really do respect the man’s work. So, it should come to no surprise that his offspring likes to do scientific things. This is particularly true when it comes to my niece, Taylor, who is on her way to Bob Jones University for the AACS National Competition in science this week.

I was thinking back to my elementary school days at Hyer and remembering doing those dreaded science fair projects. Taylor has been working on her project since last summer. I thought four to six weeks was long enough time to come up with a hypothesis, and gather enough data to write a five paragraph paper. I guess not! At any rate, this is a big deal for Taylor. She has been fighting her way through many of “life’s not fair” incidences when it comes to various projects since the 8th grade. Last year was especially brutal when she decided to study the habitat of crawfish, and did a great job on her project. When it came time to present the project to judges, one judge said to her, “I don’t know what your project has to do with environment. The only good thing about crawfish is eating them.” Get that lady a craw boil, and a bib, because I guess she was ready sit down and have herself a food fest like they do in Louisiana!

This year, Taylor came back fighting and placed 1st in her category in her school. She advanced onto State where the judges felt her work was excellent, they felt it wasn’t good enough for her to go onto compete at the National level. I’m not exactly sure where they came up with the silly idea to technically give her first place, but not let her advance. Nevertheless, it all got worked out and she is on her way.

To my sweet girl (she loves the fact she is only girl cousin in the family, which I hope to change someday). I love you, and am so very proud of you. Always remember to be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished.