By Diana Scott

Ever since Adam D'Anthony was two years old, he had one career goal in his mind—meteorology. He obviously did not think of it in these terms back in his childhood, but his fascination with the weather continued throughout his life and held him captivated during his days as a student at Carroll Community College and in the United States Air Force, where he currently works as an Operations Forecaster.

As a Westminster resident and an adept weather observer, D'Anthony reported Westminster's weather conditions to Baltimore TV Channels 2, 11, and 13. On one occasion he shared the limelight with Channel 11's meteorologist Tom Tasselmyer.

Mr. D'Anthony was a student at Carroll in 1997–99 pursuing an Associate of Arts. While at Carroll, he worked as a student aide and was chosen to go to Harvard to participate in the Model United Nations. He accomplished his first educational goal in 1999 when he graduated from Carroll with an associate degree.

Wishing to put himself through school, he found tuition at four-year schools prohibitive. He wanted a B.S. in Meteorology. How was he to get it? He investigated what the U.S. Air Force had to offer and found that enlistment meant 100% tuition reimbursement. He is currently 10 credits away from achieving his next educational goal—a B.S.—and is proud to say that he graduated top in his class in military performance and in the upper 5 percent of his class in Meteorological Technical School.

He is getting job experience as well as an education in the Air Force. Stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, D'Anthony was assigned as the Operations Forecaster for military bases in the central, southern and gulf coast states. He is responsible for disseminating forecasts as well as Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories to these military installations so that equipment can be moved or protected, planes hangared, and air refueling done in relative safety. Another part of his job is to brief pilots about weather conditions they may encounter within the time parameters of their flight.

Perhaps Adam D'Anthony's story will help other students pursue their dreams. Investigate various ways to achieve your goals, work hard, gain experience in your field (perhaps by an internship), and enjoy the "getting there" as well as the ultimate achievement. "Even though the coursework is difficult, for me it's a challenge and a pleasure to do well. That's because I love what I'm doing," said Adam. "I feel fortunate and proud to be able to serve my country and at the same time to live out my dream."

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