Cool Jobs (Digging for the Past)
What job does Nora Shawki have?
She is an archaeologist.
What was Joel Sartore’s first job?
His first job was working for a newspaper.
Who found the Titanic wreck?
Robert Ballard found the wreck
What was Corey’s main job during the 2001 expedition?
His job was to make sure the deep-sea robots’ batteries worked well
What inspired Nora to study archaeology?
She was inspired after watching a video about Howard Carter discovering King Tutankhamen’s tomb.
What does Joel say you also need to be besides a good photographer for National Geographic?
You need to have other skills or experiences, like being a scientist or being able to work in extreme environments.
When did Ballard first discover the Titanic?
He discovered it on August 31, 1985.
What emergency happened to the green robot during the expedition?
It got stuck inside the Titanic, and one of its batteries was damaged, risking an explosion.
What was the main challenge Nora faced when applying for grants?
She got five rejections before finally getting a “yes” for her project.
What are two reasons working for magazines is harder now?
1) Technology means there are more photographers competing. 2) The internet is full of free or cheap photos that magazines can use instead of hiring professionals.
What problem arose when other explorers visited the Titanic wreck?
They took thousands of items from the wreck, which Ballard believes is wrong.
How did the team plan to rescue the stuck robot?
They used a coat hanger hook inside the blue robot to pull the green robot out.
What does Nora mean when she says “use ‘no’ to push you”?
She means that rejections can motivate you to work harder, making you stronger and more determined.
What does Joel mean by “be passionate about every project”?
He means you should care deeply about every photo you take, and see the value in every subject you shoot.
Why does Ballard want to protect the Titanic instead of moving items?
He wants to keep the site as it is, so people can visit and remember the tragedy without damaging it
What danger did the crew face at 9,000 feet underwater?
The submarine’s lights went out after a crew member touched some wires, leaving them in total darkness.
How does Nora’s advice apply to both career and personal challenges?
It teaches that persistence, focusing on your own goals, and not letting others stop you are key to overcoming any obstacle.
How does Joel’s advice about “the right reasons” connect to job satisfaction?
He believes you will only be happy in the job if you do it to make a difference or share beauty, not just for money.
How do the photos of the Titanic change people’s relationship to the disaster?
They make the disaster more real and personal, helping people remember the lives lost and the scale of the tragedy.
Why does Corey call the robot “part of the team”?
The team refused to leave it behind, even after 12 hours of trying to rescue it, showing they cared about it as they would a teammate.