Humans of USU: Physics major discusses value of education

The Utah Statesman interviewed Brett Mortenson, a sophomore majoring in applied physics from Logan, Utah.

Utah Statesman: What’s one of your favorite things about USU?

Brett Mortenson: I really just like the campus, just how it’s nice and the fact that it’s not a community campus so it’s easy to get to go around and get to your classes.

US: What did you do over spring break?

BM: I went and sold pest control, just in Salt Lake and Provo area.

US: Did you have time to get any homework done over the break?

BM: Well I had lots of time. I just didn’t do any.

US: Are you regretting that decision now?

BM: A little bit, but it wasn’t too bad.

US: Growing up, what did you want to be when you were older?

BM: When I was younger, NBA player. When I was older, I never knew. I always thought something in the business world.

US: Why did it change?

BM: Well you know I turned down the NBA, but I realized that I didn’t want to stick with business. I like physics and so that’s when I started looking into applied physics more.

US: What do you want to do with that as a career?

BM: I’m studying applied physics, and I want to maybe go to law school or be a medical physicist. I’m not really sure.

US: Why do you want to further your education?

BM: I want to further my education because they tell me that I can get a better job. It’s also interesting to know how things in life work.

US: Why is it important to you to have an education beyond high school?

BM: It’s important because that way you can know what is going on in life. You don’t always have to rely on someone else for information because you can think for yourself.

US: Do you think it’s possible to be successful without higher education? Why?

BM: I do think you can be successful without going to school after high school. There are lots of trade jobs, opportunities with business and, plus, Lebron didn’t go to college.

US: In what way has education made a difference in your life?

BM: Education has made a difference in my life because if I go to a petrol station to buy a drink, I know how much change I should get, thanks to math.